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If you are craving a sauce that bursts with vibrant flavors and the comforting essence of sun-ripened tomatoes, this Fresh Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe is the answer you’ve been looking for. It’s a beautifully simple sauce that captures the essence of garden-fresh tomatoes enhanced by fragrant basil and just the right hint of garlic and spice. Once you make this sauce yourself, you’ll understand why nothing compares to the depth and freshness of a sauce crafted from scratch in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Fresh Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe calls for a handful of simple, essential ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver incredible taste and texture. Each element plays a vital role: from the sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes to the aromatic punch of garlic and basil, and the smooth richness brought by olive oil.
- 3 lbs vine ripe or plum tomatoes: The star of the show, these provide natural sweetness and juiciness to your sauce.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Adds a silky texture and richness that marries the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons garlic paste: Packs a flavor punch without overpowering the bright tomato base.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and deepens the color.
- 2 basil sprigs (stems and leaves separated): Fresh basil infuses the sauce with a fragrant, herbal note.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Balances the acidity and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Gives the sauce a gentle kick without overwhelming it.
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar (packed): Cuts the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother finish.
How to Make Fresh Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. While waiting, take your tomatoes and carefully score an X on the bottom of each with a paring knife. This little trick is the key to effortless peeling later, which is an essential step for a smooth sauce.
Step 2: Blanch and Peel
Drop the tomatoes into the boiling water and let them cook just long enough—around 2 to 3 minutes—for the skins to start splitting. This quick blanch loosens the tough skin, so once you strain and transfer the tomatoes to a baking sheet, peeling them becomes a total breeze.
Step 3: Chop and Remove Cores
Once peeled, chop your tomatoes into chunks, making sure to discard the cores. This ensures your sauce has no unwanted bitterness or tough bits, creating a silky, luxurious texture for your Fresh Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large saucepan, add olive oil, garlic paste, tomato paste, and the basil stems, along with sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook gently over low heat, stirring often until you smell the garlic browning beautifully—about 2 to 3 minutes. This fragrant base is where the magic starts.
Step 5: Combine Tomatoes and Season
Add the chopped tomatoes and their juices to the saucepan, along with the brown sugar. The sugar will balance the tomatoes’ natural acidity while adding a subtle depth. Turn the heat to medium-high to bring everything to a lively boil.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. This slow simmer thickens the sauce, concentrating the flavors beautifully into a rich, vibrant tomato sauce.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Basil and Seasoning
Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and fish out the basil stems. Stir in finely chopped basil leaves for a fresh herbal punch. Taste your sauce and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Your Fresh Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe is ready to enjoy or store for later!
How to Serve Fresh Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are an obvious but fantastic garnish, adding beautiful color and aroma right before serving. You can also sprinkle a little freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese over the top to bring a savory, salty contrast that elevates the sauce even more.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs wonderfully with classic pasta shapes like spaghetti or penne, but don’t stop there! It acts as a perfect companion to grilled vegetables, meatballs, or even a simple crusty bread for dipping. Consider serving it alongside roasted chicken for a comforting, family-style meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not try this sauce as a base for homemade pizza? Layer it over your favorite dough and top with mozzarella and fresh toppings for a quick, flavorful dinner. It also works beautifully as a dip for garlic knots or as a sauce in stuffed peppers or eggplant Parmesan recipes for extra deliciousness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Fresh Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to a week when stored in an airtight container. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeknights or whenever you want to enjoy homemade flavor with minimal prep time.
Freezing
For longer storage, this sauce freezes exceptionally well. Portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some room for expansion. Label and freeze for up to three months. When you want a quick meal, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat your sauce on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. If it thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen it up. The flavor and texture come back to life with just a few minutes of gentle warming.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
While canned tomatoes are convenient, fresh tomatoes bring a bright, vibrant flavor that canned simply cannot match in this Fresh Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, opt for high-quality canned whole peeled tomatoes as a substitute.
Is it necessary to peel the tomatoes?
Peeling the tomatoes ensures your sauce has a smooth, silky texture without any chewy skin bits. It’s a small step that really transforms the mouthfeel and overall experience of the sauce.
Can I make this sauce spicy?
Absolutely! The crushed red pepper flakes in the recipe add a gentle heat, but you can increase the amount or add fresh chili peppers for a bolder kick tailored to your taste. Just be mindful not to overpower the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
How long does it take to make this sauce?
From start to finish, including prep and simmering time, you’re looking at about an hour. This includes letting the tomatoes blanch, peeling, sautéing, and simmering the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Can I use this sauce for other dishes?
Definitely! This Fresh Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe is incredibly versatile. Use it in lasagna, as a base for soups, or even as a dipping sauce for appetizers. Its fresh, rich flavor profile enhances countless recipes.
Final Thoughts
Once you taste this Fresh Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for store-bought. It’s richly flavorful, deeply satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try – your taste buds will thank you, and your kitchen will smell amazing!
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Fresh Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Fresh Tomato Sauce made from vine ripe or plum tomatoes, simmered with garlic, basil, and subtle spices to create a rich, thick sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lbs vine ripe or plum tomatoes (about 8)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 basil sprigs (stems and leaves separated)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar (packed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. While waiting, use a paring knife to cut 1-inch X’s on the bottoms of all the tomatoes. This will help loosen the skins for peeling.
- Blanch the Tomatoes: Add the prepped tomatoes to the boiling water and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the skins start to split, indicating they are ready to peel.
- Peel and Core: Remove the tomatoes using a colander and transfer them to a rimmed baking sheet. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins and discard them. Cut the tomatoes into chunks, discarding the cores.
- Sauté Aromatics and Spices: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the garlic paste, tomato paste, basil sprigs (stems only), sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic browns lightly and becomes fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Sugar: Stir in the peeled tomato chunks along with any juices, and add the light brown sugar. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finish with Fresh Basil: Remove the sauce from heat and discard the basil stems. Stir in the finely chopped fresh basil leaves to infuse fresh herbal notes.
- Season and Store: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy the sauce immediately or allow it to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use.
Notes
- Using ripe tomatoes ensures a naturally sweet and rich flavor in your sauce.
- Peeling the tomatoes before cooking gives a smoother texture to the sauce.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
- This sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its bright flavor.
- For a chunkier or smoother sauce, adjust the chopping size or use an immersion blender after simmering.
