Tomato sauce is a staple in many kitchens, but nothing compares to the richness and depth of flavor found in homemade tomato sauce. Whether you’re making spaghetti, lasagna, or a classic Italian pizza, homemade tomato sauce is the secret to a mouthwatering dish.
In this article, we’ll explore a simple tomato sauce recipe that is inspired by the renowned Marcella Hazan tomato butter sauce, with a few personal tweaks to make it even better. You’ll learn how to make tomato sauce from scratch, using fresh tomatoes or canned alternatives, and why this easy homemade tomato sauce recipe is the best option for any pasta lover.
Why Homemade Tomato Sauce is the Best Choice
Store-bought tomato sauces can be convenient, but they often lack the depth of flavor that homemade sauces provide. When you make tomato sauce at home, you have full control over the ingredients, ensuring a fresh, natural taste without any unnecessary preservatives or added sugars. Plus, you can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes, from the level of sweetness to the richness of the sauce.
Benefits of Homemade Tomato Sauce:
- No preservatives or artificial flavorings
- Customizable to your preference (add herbs, spices, or extra garlic)
- Fresh, vibrant flavors that canned sauce simply can’t match
- Perfect for any pasta dish, whether you’re making a simple spaghetti dinner or an elaborate lasagna
Ingredients for Homemade Tomato Sauce
To make this rich, flavorful sauce, you’ll need just a handful of tomato sauce ingredients that come together to create magic. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 pounds of fresh plum tomatoes (or two 28-ounce cans of whole peeled plum tomatoes)
- 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and cut in half
- 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1¼ teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil
If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, canned tomato sauce is a great alternative. However, it’s essential to use whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor. Avoid canned diced tomatoes, as they contain chemicals that can affect the sauce’s texture and consistency.
How to Make Homemade Tomato Sauce from Scratch: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making tomato sauce from scratch is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to create a rich tomato sauce that will take your pasta dishes to the next level.
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
If you’re using fresh tomatoes, start by scoring each one with a small “X” on one end. This helps the skin peel off more easily after blanching.
Step 2: Blanch the Tomatoes
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Drop the scored tomatoes into the boiling water for 1-2 minutes, just until the skin starts to wrinkle and peel back. Be careful not to overcook them, as this will make them mushy and harder to handle.
Step 3: Ice Bath
Immediately transfer the tomatoes to an ice-cold water bath. This will stop the cooking process and make the tomatoes easier to handle.
Step 4: Peel and Chop
Once the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins. Then, cut the tomatoes into ½-inch chunks, keeping all of the juices and seeds for extra flavor.
Step 5: Cooking the Sauce
In a large Dutch oven or saucepan, add the chopped tomatoes along with the butter, olive oil, onions, garlic, salt, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 6: Simmer the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Stir occasionally and mash the tomatoes with a wooden spoon or potato masher as the sauce thickens.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Once the sauce has reached a thick consistency, remove and discard the onions. Stir in fresh basil just before serving to add a burst of aromatic flavor.
How to Store Homemade Tomato Sauce
The beauty of making homemade tomato sauce is that it’s easy to store for later use. Here’s how:
- Refrigeration: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to have fresh, homemade sauce on hand even when you don’t have time to cook.
Best Ways to Use Homemade Tomato Sauce
While homemade tomato sauce is delicious on its own, it’s a perfect complement to many dishes. Here are some of the best ways to use your homemade pasta sauce:
- Spaghetti: Toss your favorite pasta with the sauce for a classic Italian meal.
- Pizza: Spread the sauce over pizza dough for a flavorful base.
- Lasagna: Layer the sauce in between sheets of pasta, cheese, and meat for a rich and hearty lasagna.
- Meatballs: Simmer meatballs in the sauce for extra flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Tomato Sauce
To ensure your homemade tomato sauce is as delicious as possible, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes will give you the best flavor, but if they’re not in season, opt for high-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzanos.
- Adjust the Seasonings: Taste the sauce periodically and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more sugar for sweetness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Simmer for Flavor: The longer you let the sauce simmer, the richer and more concentrated the flavor will become. Aim for at least 1.5 hours.
- Butter and Olive Oil: Don’t skip the butter! It adds a creamy, velvety texture to the sauce that’s hard to beat.
- Avoid Canned Diced Tomatoes: These contain chemicals that can prevent the tomatoes from breaking down properly, affecting the texture of your sauce.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Tomato Sauce
Making homemade tomato sauce from scratch is easy, rewarding, and incredibly delicious. By following this simple recipe, you’ll create a sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for any dish. Whether you’re making simple tomato sauce for pasta or preparing a more complex meal, this sauce will become your go-to recipe.
So, next time you’re in the kitchen, skip the jarred tomato sauce and make your own from scratch. You’ll never look back!
FAQ:
1. Can I make homemade tomato sauce without butter? Yes, you can substitute olive oil for butter, but the butter gives the sauce a rich, velvety texture that enhances the flavor.
2. How can I make my homemade tomato sauce spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper to the sauce while it simmers for a bit of heat.
3. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes? Absolutely! Canned whole peeled tomatoes are a great alternative when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season.
4. How long can I store homemade tomato sauce? You can refrigerate homemade tomato sauce for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
If you enjoyed this recipe for homemade tomato sauce, be sure to share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your favorite ways to use this rich, flavorful sauce!
