Homemade tomato sauce recipe

Here’s a simple homemade tomato sauce recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine.
5. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to mix the ingredients.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until it reaches your desired texture.
8. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

This homemade tomato sauce is versatile and can be used in various dishes such as pasta, pizza, or as a base for other sauces. Enjoy your delicious homemade tomato sauce!

FAQs

1. What is the secret to good tomato sauce?

The secret to a delicious tomato sauce lies in the quality of your ingredients and the slow cooking process. Using ripe, flavorful tomatoes is essential. Additionally, incorporating aromatic herbs like basil and oregano, along with sautéed onions and garlic, enhances the depth of flavor. Patience is key; allowing the sauce to simmer over low heat intensifies the taste and results in a rich, well-balanced tomato sauce.

2. Do you need to peel tomatoes for sauce?

While it’s not strictly necessary to peel tomatoes for sauce, many prefer to do so for a smoother texture. To peel tomatoes, make a small X-shaped incision at the bottom, blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath. The skin will easily peel off. If you enjoy a chunkier sauce, you can leave the skins on or strain them out after cooking.

3. How to make tomato sauce?

To make tomato sauce, start by sautéing finely chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add crushed and diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer the mixture over low heat for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning, and blend for a smoother consistency if desired.

4. How do you make homemade tomato sauce taste better?

To enhance the flavor of homemade tomato sauce, consider the following tips:

• Use high-quality, ripe tomatoes for a naturally sweet and robust taste.
• Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or parsley during the cooking process for added freshness.
• Allow the sauce to simmer over a longer period, as slow cooking intensifies flavors.
• Experiment with a splash of red wine or a pinch of baking soda to balance acidity.
• Finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil just before serving to enhance richness.

By paying attention to ingredient quality, cooking time, and thoughtful additions, you can elevate the taste of your homemade tomato sauce.