Quick and Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe

Oh, homemade tomato sauce… It’s one of those things that just feels like a warm hug, right? The kind of sauce that fills your kitchen with that sweet, savory aroma, like something from your childhood, or maybe just a cozy evening spent with loved ones. And, you know what’s great? It’s super simple to whip up, and it can jazz up anything from pasta to pizza. Just you wait, your taste buds are in for a treat!

Why You’ll Crave It

• It’s fresh, bursting with the flavor of ripe tomatoes—nothing beats that!
• You can customize it however you love… a hint of garlic, a sprinkle of basil… whatever vibes with your mood!
• This sauce freezes beautifully, so you can always have some on hand for quick meals.
• It’s the ultimate comfort food—it warms you up from the inside out.
• And it’s just so satisfying making something from scratch. Trust me, you’ll feel like a chef!

The first time I made this sauce, I couldn’t believe how easy it was… I felt like I’d discovered a little treasure!

What You’ll Need

• 1 kg ripe tomatoes: Get those juicy ones—think summertime bliss, really! You can use any variety, but if you find some San Marzano, oh my goodness!
• 2 cloves garlic: We’re gonna add some aromatic goodness… just crush them gently.
• 1 onion: Don’t skimp on this, it adds a ton of flavor; chop it up nice and fine.
• A handful of fresh basil: Nothing says ‘Italian’ quite like basil. Just tear it up a bit before tossing in.
• Olive oil: A good splash to sauté everything—like the golden kiss from the Mediterranean.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, of course; these are mandatory in the seasoning department!

Easy How-To

Let’s Get Cooking!

Okay, first things first—let’s gather all those beautiful ingredients. I always like to have everything ready to go. Then, grab a pot and fill it with water. You’re gonna bring that to a nice boil. While that’s happening, score the bottoms of the tomatoes with a small X… just enough to let the skins peel off easily later. Once the water’s bubbling, toss in those tomatoes for about 30 seconds, and then straight into an ice water bath. It’s a bit of a shocking experience for them, but that’s how they’ll peel like a dream! After they cool, peel those skins off and chop them into quarters. You know, just good-sized chunks.

Now, heat some olive oil in a big pan over medium heat, then toss in your chopped onion and garlic. Let them sizzle away until they’re nice and soft… oh, that smell is magic! Add those tomato chunks into the pan—plus a pinch of salt—and just let them cook down for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally, and you’ll see them break down into this glorious sauce.

If you like your sauce smooth, grab a hand blender or a regular blender (just be careful with hot splatters!). Blend it to your liking, then taste it. Does it need more salt? Maybe a little pepper? Go for it! Finally, let it cool to use right away or refrigerate for later. Trust me, you’re gonna wanna have this on hand!

Good to Know

• Using fresh, ripe tomatoes makes a world of difference—trust your local farmer’s market!
• If you like a bit of heat, throw in some crushed red pepper flakes while it’s cooking.

Serving Ideas

• Serve it over your favorite pasta… add a sprinkle of parmesan for that creamy finish!

Top Tricks

• Make a big batch and freeze small portions—it’s a lifesaver on busy nights!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned tomatoes can actually be really convenient… plus, they often pack quite a bit of flavor.

How long can I store the tomato sauce?

It’ll keep in the fridge for about a week, or freeze it in an airtight container for several months. Just make sure it cools fully before sealing!

What herbs can I add for extra flavor?

Oregano and thyme also work great here, so feel free to get creative!

Can I customize the sauce with vegetables?

Yes! Chopped bell peppers or zucchini blend in nicely for added nutrition and texture.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes! This tomato sauce is completely plant-based—perfect for everyone!

This homemade tomato sauce is truly one of those recipes that you can make your own—play with it, change it up to suit your taste! I mean, whether you’re slathering it over pasta or ladling it onto a bubbling hot pizza, you’re creating something special. So, grab those ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the cozy vibes!