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Tomato sauce

tomato sauce

Tomato sauce recipe with fresh flavor, perfect for light dishes and quick lunches. Discover how to add a Mediterranean touch!
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Total Time 46 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 65
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.2 kg ripe tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 unit onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 handful fresh basil leaves torn by hand

Method
 

  1. Wash the ripe tomatoes well, remove stems, and score an X on the bottom of each.
  2. Boil a large pot of water. Add tomatoes and blanch for 1-2 minutes, just until skins start to peel.
  3. Transfer tomatoes to a bowl with ice water. When cool, peel off the skins and chop finely, saving juices.
  4. 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.
  5. Add the chopped tomatoes (with juices). Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir well.
  6. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
  7. 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.
With simple ingredients and a few key steps, you can make tomato sauce that brings the essence of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen.