Homemade Tomato Sauce: From Garden to Plate
Elevate your dishes with the luscious tang and richness of our homemade tomato sauce. Unleash a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 lb Ripe tomatoes (about 1 kg)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 3-4 Clovs of garlic minced
- 1 tsp Dried Basil (or 2 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped), (optional)
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp Red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ½ cup Water or vegetable broth (if needed)
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and cut out the core at the top.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Prepare a bowl of ice water on the side.
- Carefully drop the tomatoes into the boiling water for about 30-60 seconds, or until you see the skin starting to peel.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to the ice water to cool.
- Once cool, peel off the skin. The skin should come off easily due to blanching.
Blending the Tomatoes:
- Cut the peeled tomatoes in half and gently squeeze out the seeds (optional).
- Chop the tomatoes into smaller pieces.
Cooking the Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
Adding the Tomatoes:
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the saucepan. If using canned tomatoes, simply pour them in with their juices.
- Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Simmering:
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little water or vegetable broth.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Adjusting Seasoning:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too acidic, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to balance it out.
Finishing:
- Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a regular blender to puree until smooth.
Serving:
- Serve the tomato sauce over your favorite pasta, use it as a base for pizza, or as a sauce for other dishes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves if desired.
Notes
Enjoy your homemade tomato sauce! Feel free to customize it by adding ingredients like grated carrots, bell peppers, or even a splash of red wine for extra flavor.