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Homemade Tomato Sauce

Name: Homemade Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Homemade Tomato Sauce
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion finely diced; 2 cloves garlic minced; 800 g canned chopped tomatoes; 1 tsp dried oregano; 0.5 tsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 1 handful fresh basil leaves

Homemade Tomato Sauce is a versatile staple that works with pasta, pizza or meatballs. This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to create a rich and flavourful base for many meals. You can easily adjust the thickness by simmering it for longer depending on your preference. It is much tastier than store bought versions and contains no hidden preservatives.

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Why you should cook homemade tomato sauce

Making your own sauce allows you to control the level of salt and sugar in your food. This homemade tomato sauce has a fresh taste that enhances any dish it is added to. It is an affordable way to feed a family and can be made in large batches. You can use it immediately or keep it in the fridge for later in the week.

A step-by-step guide to homemade tomato sauce

Step 1

Sauté vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about five minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until it smells fragrant.

Step 2

Add tomatoes: Pour the canned chopped tomatoes into the pan with the onions and garlic. Use your wooden spoon to break up any large chunks of tomato if necessary. Stir everything together so the ingredients are well combined.

Step 3

Season and simmer: Add the dried oregano, sugar, salt and black pepper to the mixture. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and then turn the heat down to low. Let the sauce cook uncovered for fifteen minutes to allow the flavours to develop and the liquid to reduce slightly.

Step 4

Finish with herbs: Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and stir them into the hot sauce. Taste the mixture and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. Serve the sauce immediately over your favourite pasta or use it as a base for other dishes.

Tips to make homemade tomato sauce even better

If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce with a stick blender after it has finished cooking. Always taste your homemade tomato sauce before serving to see if it needs more salt or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar can provide extra depth to the flavour profile.

Fresh herbs like basil should be added right at the end to keep their bright colour and scent. You can also add a pinch of chilli flakes if you want a bit of heat in your sauce. This recipe freezes very well in airtight containers for up to three months. Using high quality canned tomatoes will result in a much richer and thicker sauce.

You can also try these recipes: pasta with turkey and pesto, goulash with mashed potatoes or cod tartare.

Ingredients

servings

Adjust quantity

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion finely diced
2 cloves garlic minced
800 g canned chopped tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
0.5 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
1 handful fresh basil leaves

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Large saucepan
Wooden spoon
Knife
Chopping board

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving

Energy:481 kJ / 115 kcal
Fat:7 g
- of which saturates:1 g
Carbohydrates:11 g
- of which sugars:7 g
Protein:2 g
Fibre:3 g
Salt:585 mg

You can keep the sauce in an airtight container for up to five days. Make sure the homemade tomato sauce has cooled down completely before you put it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

Can I use fresh tomatoes for this homemade tomato sauce recipe?

Yes, you can use about one kilogram of fresh ripe tomatoes instead of canned ones. You will need to simmer the homemade tomato sauce for a bit longer to break down the skins and reduce the extra liquid from the fresh fruit.

How long does it take to make Homemade Tomato Sauce?

Homemade Tomato Sauce usually takes about 20 minutes to make. The time can vary slightly with the quantity and method. Check the texture towards the end.