Description

Capture the fresh taste of summer in every spoonful with this rich, slow-simmered homemade tomato sauce. Perfect for pasta, pizza, dipping, or freezing for later, this sauce is made with simple ingredients and a whole lot of flavor. Whether you’re new to making sauces from scratch or just looking for a better alternative to jarred varieties, this recipe is the one you’ll come back to again and again. With just a few pantry staples and a little simmer time, you’ll have a comforting, versatile sauce that tastes like it came straight out of a farmhouse kitchen in Italy.

Ingredients

Scale

3 lbs fresh tomatoes (Roma, plum, or a mix), chopped
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1–2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for thickness)
Handful of fresh basil, torn (optional)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Splash of red wine (optional, for depth)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
If using, stir in tomato paste and red wine.
Simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Use an immersion blender if you prefer a smoother sauce.
Stir in basil at the end and adjust seasoning as needed.
Let cool before storing or serving.

Notes

If your tomatoes are very watery, let the sauce simmer longer to reduce.
For a richer taste, finish with a tablespoon of butter.
This sauce freezes beautifully—make extra and save for busy nights.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Sauce
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 85
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg