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Tomato sauce

tomato sauce

Tomato sauce gets lighter and fresher with this healthy recipe, a Mediterranean touch for your everyday meals. Taste real flavor!
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Total Time 41 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 55
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 unit ripe tomatoes medium, peeled and chopped
  • 1 unit onion small, finely chopped
  • 2 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 0.25 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 6 leaf fresh basil torn by hand

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  3. Incorporate the peeled and chopped tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Mix well.
  4. Simmer uncovered over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Turn off the heat and stir in the torn fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Let cool for a few minutes, then serve or use as desired. For a smoother texture, blend the sauce before serving.

Notes

Tomato sauce is a classic kitchen staple known for its remarkable versatility. Whether you're elevating a quick pasta dish, spreading it atop homemade pizza, or using it as a flavorful base for stews and casseroles, a fresh tomato sauce effortlessly transforms everyday meals. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability—the fresher your tomatoes, the richer your flavor will be.

Practical Tips and Ingredient Swaps

  • If fresh tomatoes aren't in season, you can substitute them with quality canned whole tomatoes. Just drain and crush them before use to maintain a vibrant flavor.
  • To avoid a watery sauce, let the mixture simmer uncovered. This will concentrate flavors and improve texture.
  • For a restaurant-worthy touch, finish your sauce with a splash of good olive oil and a pinch of sugar or grated carrot if your tomatoes are overly acidic.
  • The addition of basil at the end keeps the sauce bright and aromatic—avoid overheating the basil to preserve its fragrance.

Technique Matters: Getting the Best Texture

  • If you prefer a smooth sauce, blend everything with a handheld mixer or food processor after simmering.
  • For a rustic texture, simply smash the tomatoes with a wooden spoon as they cook, leaving some chunks intact.
  • Sauteing onions until translucent—not browned—builds a natural sweetness as a base flavor without bitterness.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

  • Serve over al dente pasta and finish with shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano for a simple meal.
  • Use as a filling layer for dishes like eggplant parmesan or lasagna.
  • Add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes for a spicy twist, or experiment with fresh herbs like oregano and thyme.
  • This sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to 5 days, and it freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
With these tips in hand, you'll find it easy to develop your own signature tomato sauce every time. Trust your senses, taste as you go, and celebrate the simple joy of homemade cooking!