How to Make Homemade Tomato Sauce

Homemade tomato sauce is a versatile and flavorful base for many dishes, including pasta, pizza, soups, and stews. Making your own tomato sauce allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and customize the flavors to suit your taste. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a simple and delicious homemade tomato sauce using fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. This sauce is easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.

Ingredients for Homemade Tomato Sauce

• 2 kg (about 4.5 pounds) ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Homemade Tomato Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Cut a small “X” into the bottom of each tomato.
3. Drop the tomatoes into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove them with a slotted spoon and plunge them into a bowl of ice water.
4. Peel the tomatoes, then chop them and remove the seeds.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, basil, parsley, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce (Optional)

1. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the sauce to a blender and blend in batches.

Step 4: Serve or Store

1. Serve the tomato sauce immediately over pasta, pizza, or your favorite dish.
2. Alternatively, let the sauce cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

About the Main Ingredients

Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are the star ingredient in this sauce. They provide a rich, sweet flavor and a vibrant color. You can use any variety of tomatoes, but Roma tomatoes are often preferred for their meaty texture and low moisture content.

Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients add depth of flavor to the sauce. Cooking them gently in olive oil helps to release their natural sweetness and flavor.

Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley add freshness and a pop of color to the sauce. Dried oregano adds a classic Italian flavor.

Red Pepper Flakes: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives the sauce a subtle heat. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance their natural sweetness.