tomato sauce
Tomato sauce recipe with fresh flavor, perfect for light dishes and quick lunches. Discover how to add a Mediterranean touch!
Ingredients
Method
- Wash the ripe tomatoes well, remove stems, and score an X on the bottom of each.
- Boil a large pot of water. Add tomatoes and blanch for 1-2 minutes, just until skins start to peel.
- Transfer tomatoes to a bowl with ice water. When cool, peel off the skins and chop finely, saving juices.
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until soft, then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the chopped tomatoes (with juices). Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir well.
- Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
- Turn off heat and stir in fresh basil leaves. Adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm or allow to cool before storing.
Notes
Homemade tomato sauce is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine—loved for its fresh taste, versatility, and ease of preparation. Whether you slather it on pasta, pizza, or use it as a base for stews, it instantly brings comfort and flavor to the table.
Practical Tips for the Best Tomato Sauce
- Choose ripe, fragrant tomatoes for superior flavor. Plum or Roma tomatoes are ideal, but you can also use a mix—just be sure they're at their peak ripeness.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the sauce with a hand blender or pass it through a food mill after simmering. For chunky sauce lovers, simply crush tomatoes by hand.
- If tomatoes are slightly acidic, add a small pinch of sugar during simmering. Taste and adjust!
- No fresh basil? Substitute with a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, such as thyme or marjoram, for a different aromatic twist.
Preparation Insights
- Blanching and peeling tomatoes may seem meticulous, but removing the skins results in a silkier sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered to concentrate flavors and reduce excess liquid. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking at the bottom.
- For deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine before simmering or a touch of chili flakes for gentle heat.
Serving and Variations
- Pair this sauce with classics like pasta al dente, homemade pizza, meatballs, or eggplant Parmesan.
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms, olives, or roasted bell peppers for a taste variation that suits your favorite dish.
- Leftover sauce freezes beautifully in airtight jars or bags—portion ahead for quick weeknight meals.
