Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe That’s Simply Delicious

Welcome to my homemade tomato sauce recipe! If you’ve been searching for an authentic Italian tomato sauce recipe, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve spent years perfecting my recipe, and I’m confident that it’s the best tomato sauce recipe out there.

There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade tomato sauce. The rich flavor of fresh tomatoes, combined with garlic, onions, and a blend of herbs and spices, creates a sauce that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or any other dish that calls for a hearty tomato sauce.

In this recipe, I’ll be using the best Italian ingredients, including San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil and oregano, and the best olive oil. I’ll also be sharing tips and tricks for making the perfect tomato sauce, so even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll be able to create a delicious sauce that your family and friends will love.

So, let’s get started! Whether you’re making this sauce for a classic spaghetti dinner, a homemade pizza, or a delicious chicken parmesan, you’re sure to love the authentic taste of this easy homemade tomato sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you tired of using store-bought tomato sauce that tastes bland and artificial? Look no further, because this homemade tomato sauce recipe is the perfect solution to your bland sauce woes.

Firstly, this sauce is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, including juicy tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and flavorful onions. No more canned, flavorless tomatoes! Secondly, the sauce is enriched with a variety of herbs and spices such as fresh basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes, giving it an authentic Italian taste.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you are making pasta, pizza, or chicken, this tomato sauce is the perfect complement to any dish. It’s even great for vegetarians and vegans who are looking for a healthy, meat-free option.

Lastly, this recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour. You don’t have to be a professional chef to make this sauce. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can make a delicious and hearty tomato sauce that will make you feel like a master chef.

In conclusion, this homemade tomato sauce recipe is a game-changer. It’s healthy, flavorful, versatile, and easy to make. So why settle for bland, store-bought tomato sauce when you can make your own delicious sauce at home? Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to the canned stuff again.

Ingredient List

Before we get started with the recipe, it’s important to make sure we have all the necessary ingredients. For this homemade tomato sauce recipe, we’ll need the following:

• 2 tablespoons of the best olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, halved, seeded, and chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, halved, seeded, and chopped
• 28-ounce cans of whole peeled tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of Contadina tomato paste
• 1/4 cup of Contadina tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Make sure to use good quality ingredients for the best results. I recommend using San Marzano or any other good quality Italian tomatoes for a more authentic Italian tomato sauce. Also, using extra virgin olive oil will enhance the flavor of the sauce.

The Recipe How-To

Now that we have gone through the ingredient list, it’s time to cook up some hearty tomato sauce! This recipe is simple and easy to follow, but it requires patience and attention to detail to achieve the best results. In this section, I will walk you through the step-by-step process of making the perfect tomato sauce.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Before starting to cook, it’s essential to have everything prepared and ready to go. Begin by chopping 1 medium onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 small green bell pepper, and 1 small red bell pepper into small pieces.

Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the chopped green and red bell peppers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are tender.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes

Now, it’s time to add the star of the show – the tomatoes! Pour 2 cans (28 ounce) of whole peeled tomatoes into the pot and crush them using a potato masher or a wooden spoon.

Next, add 1 tablespoon of Contadina tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Bring the tomato sauce to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1 hour. This process allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Don’t forget to stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little bit of water to thin it out.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

After an hour of simmering, the tomato sauce should be thick and flavorful. Now, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil and season with salt to taste.

Step 5: Enjoy!

The tomato sauce is now ready to be enjoyed! You can use it to make pasta sauce, pizza sauce, or as a dipping sauce for bread. This authentic Italian tomato sauce is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your friends and family with its rich flavor and aroma.

Substitutions and Variations

There are many ways to make this homemade tomato sauce recipe your own. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations that can add a new twist to this classic sauce recipe:

– Tomato Variations: While this recipe calls for using canned whole peeled tomatoes, you can also use fresh tomatoes if they’re in season. If you decide to use fresh tomatoes, make sure to peel and seed them before adding them to the sauce. You can also try using different types of canned tomatoes, like San Marzano tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes, to add more complexity to the flavor.

– Spices: This recipe uses a blend of dried oregano and fresh basil to add flavor to the sauce, but you can experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own unique blend. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a teaspoon of fennel seeds for a hint of sweetness.

– Vegetables: To add some extra nutrition to the sauce, you can add in some finely chopped zucchini or eggplant. You can also try using different types of bell peppers, like red or yellow, to add some color and sweetness to the sauce.

– Meat: This recipe is vegetarian, but you can easily add in some cooked ground beef, pork or chicken to make it more hearty. Simply brown the meat in a separate pan and then add it to the sauce.

– Pasta Sauce: If you want to turn this tomato sauce recipe into a pasta sauce, simply add some heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce to create a creamy tomato sauce. You can also add in some cooked pasta, like spaghetti or penne, to make a quick and easy meal.

– Pizza Sauce: This tomato sauce recipe also makes a great pizza sauce. Simply spread the sauce over your favorite pizza crust and top with your favorite toppings.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works for you. So don’t be afraid to try new things and make this tomato sauce recipe your own.

Serving and Pairing

This homemade tomato sauce recipe is a versatile sauce that pairs well with several dishes. Here are some serving and pairing suggestions to help you enjoy your sauce to the fullest:

– Pasta: This hearty tomato sauce is perfect for pasta dishes. Pour it over your favorite pasta, and you’ve got an easy, healthy meal.

– Pizza: Use this sauce as the base sauce for your homemade pizza. Add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a delicious pizza in no time.

– Chicken: This sauce makes a great marinade for chicken. Marinate your chicken in this sauce for a few hours, and then grill or bake it for a delicious and healthy meal.

– Fish: This sauce is also great for fish dishes. You can use it as a topping for grilled or baked fish, or use it as a sauce for fish pasta dishes.

– Vegetarian: This sauce is perfect for vegetarians. Pour it over your favorite vegetables, and you’ve got a healthy and delicious meal.

– Zucchini: This sauce pairs well with zucchini. Sauté some zucchini in olive oil, and then pour this sauce over it for a quick and easy meal.

– Gnocchi: This sauce is also great with gnocchi. Pour it over your gnocchi, and you’ve got a hearty and delicious meal.

– Ravioli: This sauce is perfect for ravioli dishes. Pour it over your favorite ravioli, and you’ve got a delicious and easy meal.

– Pairing: This sauce pairs well with a variety of wines, such as Pinot Noir, Chianti, and Sangiovese. It also pairs well with garlic bread, salad, and roasted vegetables.

Serve your homemade tomato sauce fresh and hot, and enjoy it with your favorite dish.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

One of the best things about this tomato sauce recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. In fact, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together.

To make ahead, simply let the sauce cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When reheating the sauce, you can do so on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water or broth.

This tomato sauce is perfect for meal prep or for making a big batch to use for multiple meals throughout the week. It’s a great way to save time and effort in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor.

Whether you’re using it for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce, this tomato sauce will be a hit with the whole family. So why not make a big batch today and enjoy it all week long?

Tips for Perfect Results

Making a homemade tomato sauce can be tricky, but with the right tips and techniques, you can create an authentic Italian tomato sauce that your family will love. Here are some tips for achieving perfect results with this tomato sauce recipe:

1. Use high-quality ingredients: The key to making a great tomato sauce is to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Use fresh tomatoes, good quality olive oil, and authentic Italian tomato paste and sauce. Contadina tomato paste and sauce are great options that can give your tomato sauce a rich and authentic flavor.

2. Don’t skip the garlic and onions: Garlic and onions are essential ingredients in making tomato sauce. They add depth and complexity to the sauce. Use fresh garlic and onions, and chop them finely so that they blend into the sauce.

3. Simmer the sauce: Simmering the sauce over low heat allows the flavors to develop and intensify. It also helps to thicken the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally.

4. Add fresh herbs: Fresh basil and oregano are great herbs to add to tomato sauce. They add freshness and aroma to the sauce. Add them towards the end of the cooking process to retain their flavor.

5. Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt or pepper if necessary. If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

6. Use a blender: For a smoother texture, blend the sauce using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Be careful not to overdo it, as you want the sauce to have some texture.

7. Store the sauce properly: Allow the sauce to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months.

By following these tips, you can make a delicious and authentic Italian tomato sauce that will be perfect for your pasta, pizza, or any other dish that calls for tomato sauce.

FAQ

Before you start making this delicious tomato sauce recipe, it’s important to go through some frequently asked questions (FAQ) that might help you achieve the perfect results. From substitutions to cooking techniques, these questions and answers will guide you through any doubts you may have. Let’s dive in!

How do I make good tomato sauce?

One of my favorite tricks to add some depth of flavor to a dish is by using sautéed garlic and onions. To achieve this, finely chop the onions and garlic and sauté them in some olive oil until they become fragrant and turn a lovely golden color. Once this is done, add the sauce and let it simmer so that all the flavors can blend together nicely. The result is a truly delicious and flavorful dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

What is basic tomato sauce made of?

When it comes to sauces, marinara and tomato sauce are two common options. While marinara is typically made with tomatoes, garlic, and basil, tomato sauce has a more complex flavor profile due to the addition of onions, carrots, celery, and various seasonings. However, it’s worth noting that marinara and tomato sauce can be used interchangeably in most recipes, although the taste may differ slightly.

How does Gordon Ramsay make tomato sauce?

For this recipe, we’ll need two 28-ounce cans of peeled San Marzano tomatoes, one large yellow onion that’s been julienned, six garlic cloves that have been thinly sliced, six torn basil leaves, two tablespoons of tomato paste, one cup of red wine, and 1/8 cup of olive oil. We’ll also need some salt and pepper to taste. Let’s get started!

Do you have to peel tomatoes for sauce?

When it comes to cooking with tomatoes, peeling them may be necessary depending on the dish you’re preparing. If you’re making a sauce or stew, it’s best to peel, core, and seed the tomatoes for a smoother and more refined texture. However, if you’re using tomatoes in a salad or sandwich, peeling them may not be necessary. It’s important to keep in mind the intended use of the tomatoes when deciding whether or not to peel them.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this tomato sauce recipe is truly a classic and a must-try for every home cook. It is easy to make, healthy, and versatile, making it the perfect addition to any meal. By using high-quality ingredients like fresh tomatoes, Contadina tomato paste and sauce, and the best olive oil, you can create an authentic Italian tomato sauce that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Whether you’re making pasta, pizza, chicken, fish, pork, or vegetarian dishes, this sauce will undoubtedly add a burst of flavor and depth to your meals. And with the various substitutions and variations suggested in this article, you can easily adapt this recipe to your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

So what are you waiting for? Don’t settle for store-bought tomato sauce when you can make a delicious homemade tomato sauce from scratch. With this recipe, you can elevate your cooking game and impress your taste buds. Give it a try and taste the difference.

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