Classic Homemade Tomato Sauce
Try this Classic Homemade Tomato Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Classic Homemade Tomato Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small onion minced
- 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 c. olive oil
- dash red pepper flakes
- 2 medium carrots trimmed peeled, and minced
- 2 stalks celery ends trimmed minced
- 4 lbs. fresh tomatoes (i like romas) or two 28-oz. cans c
- 1/4 c. fresh basil minced or 1 tbsp. dried basil
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary minced or 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
- 1 sprig fresh oregano leaves only, minced or 1 tsp. dried oregano
- Carbohydrate 27.4323940322581 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.502770870967742 g
- Fiber 5.63417563059715 g
- Protein 3.16957740322581 g
- Saturated Fat 0.121377906451613 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (2067g)
- Sodium 166.317918077957 mg
- Sugar 21.7982184016609 g
- Trans Fat 0.14331495 g
- Calories 120 calories
Step-by-step
- Prepare tomatoes if using fresh: Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. As it heats up, score the bottoms of your tomatoes with a shallow X. Drop a few tomatoes at a time in the boiling water, and leave for about 30 seconds-1 minute. When you begin to see the tomato skins split up the side, remove from the hot water and place in cold water. Repeat with all tomatoes.
- When tomatoes have cooled, carefully peel away the skins. Remove the cores and squeeze out the tomato seeds. Chop into large chunks. Set tomatoes aside.
- Prepare your vegetables: I like to use a food processor to mince up my garlic, carrots, celery, and onions into tiny pieces, but if you like a chunkier sauce, either process yours less or cut with a knife into larger chunks.
- Make your sauce: Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, carrots, celery, and onions, and cook, stirring regularly, for about 10 minutes or until they take on a bit of color. Add your prepared (or canned) tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Stir to combine. If using dried herbs, add them at this point.
- Allow sauce to simmer over medium-low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your liking. I like to leave the lid on but ajar so moisture can escape but my stovetop isn't super splattered with sauce.
- About five minutes before your sauce is finished (or after about 40 minutes), add your fresh herbs if using, and stir in.
- Taste for salt and pepper.
My Favorite Classic Homemade Tomato Sauce
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious, healthy meals can feel like a monumental task. But sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most rewarding. This classic homemade tomato sauce is one of those recipes. It's incredibly versatile, perfect for pasta, pizza, or even as a base for other dishes, and it requires minimal effort for maximum flavor. The satisfaction of creating something so flavorful and comforting from scratch is simply unmatched.
I remember my grandmother making tomato sauce. The whole house would fill with this amazing aroma, a comforting blend of simmering tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. That memory, combined with my busy schedule, spurred me to perfect a quick and easy version that still captures all the warmth and deliciousness of her recipe. This recipe is my go-to for a weeknight meal that's both healthy and satisfying. The ingredients are simple—fresh or canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and a touch of herbs—but the combination is magical.
What sets this sauce apart is the attention to detail. For the freshest taste, I prefer using fresh tomatoes, and the process of blanching and peeling them might seem a little tedious, but trust me, it's worth it! The difference in flavor is remarkable. If time is truly of the essence, canned tomatoes work just as well; just make sure to choose high-quality, San Marzano tomatoes for the best result.
I love the versatility of this sauce. It's great on its own, tossed with pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. But it can also be used as a base for countless other dishes. A simple pizza topped with this sauce is a family favorite, and it adds a depth of flavor to any lasagna or meatball recipe. You can even use it as a dip for crusty bread. The possibilities are endless!
This recipe isn't just about the taste; it's about the memories created around the dinner table. It’s about the simplicity of taking fresh ingredients and transforming them into something special, something that nourishes not just the body but also the soul. It’s a small act of love that brings joy to my family and makes weeknights a little bit brighter.
I encourage you to experiment with this recipe. Add different herbs or spices to create your unique flavor profile. Try adding a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Use different types of tomatoes to discover your personal preference. The beauty of cooking is in its flexibility and the joy of self-expression. Enjoy the process, savor the aroma, and share the delicious results with those you love.
So, go ahead, make a batch of this classic homemade tomato sauce. It’s a recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, a comforting hug in a bowl, a testament to the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals, and a delicious reminder of the power of creating something beautiful from humble ingredients.
Beyond the immediate gratification of a delicious meal, this recipe offers a gateway to more fulfilling experiences in the kitchen. Experimenting with different herbs, spices, and tomato varieties allows you to create a personalized flavor profile that reflects your unique tastes. It encourages culinary exploration, and most importantly, it fosters a connection between you and your food. This is more than just cooking; it's an opportunity for self-expression and creative fulfillment.
The ease of this recipe makes it perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike. The simple instructions and readily available ingredients ensure that even those with limited culinary skills can produce a flavorful and impressive sauce. For those who find cooking intimidating, this recipe offers a confidence-boosting starting point. The sense of accomplishment in creating something delicious from scratch is immeasurable and can inspire further culinary adventures.
Making this sauce is an act of self-care. The process itself, from chopping the vegetables to the satisfying simmering on the stovetop, is both mindful and therapeutic. It's a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, an opportunity to reconnect with oneself and the simple pleasures of cooking. In today's fast-paced world, this simple act of creation offers a valuable moment of calm and self-reflection.
