The Best Roasted Tomato Sauce (No Peeling Needed!) Recipe
Making your own tomato sauce can be a rewarding experience. The Best Roasted Tomato Sauce is easy to prepare, requires no peeling, and brings out the sweet, rich flavors of fresh tomatoes. This sauce can elevate any pasta dish, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce.
Why Make This Recipe
This roasted tomato sauce is not only delicious, but it’s also simple to make with just a few ingredients. Using ripe tomatoes enhances the sauce’s flavor, and roasting them brings out their natural sweetness. Plus, you can customize it to your taste with optional spices and herbs.
How to Make The Best Roasted Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 lbs of ripe tomatoes, cut into halves or quarters
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, smashed (no need to peel)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat
- Optional: 1 tsp sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic
- Optional: a handful of fresh basil leaves
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F so it’s ready when you are.
- In a large bowl, toss the tomatoes with the olive oil, salt, black pepper, and if you’re using them, a pinch of red pepper flakes and 1 tsp of sugar if needed.
- Spread the tomatoes evenly on a baking sheet; add the roughly chopped onion and smashed garlic around the tomatoes.
- Roast everything in the oven for about 35 to 45 minutes until the tomatoes get soft and start to char a little.
- After roasting, let the mix cool off for a few minutes so it isn’t too hot to blend.
- Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic (plus any juices from the pan) into your blender or food processor.
- Blend everything until smooth, then toss in the fresh basil leaves and blend a couple more times if you want the basil well mixed.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, or sugar if it needs it.
- For a richer flavor, you can simmer the blended sauce on the stove for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then.
- Let it cool completely before storing or serving, and enjoy your homemade roasted tomato sauce!
How to Serve The Best Roasted Tomato Sauce
This roasted tomato sauce is perfect for pasta dishes, pizza, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. You can also use it as a base for soups or stews. Serve it warm over your favorite pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for a delightful meal.
How to Store The Best Roasted Tomato Sauce
Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last for up to three months in the freezer.
Tips to Make The Best Roasted Tomato Sauce
- Use the ripest tomatoes you can find; they will have the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the roasting step; it adds a lot of depth to the sauce.
- Adjust the spices based on your preference; add more or less red pepper flakes for heat.
- If you want a thicker sauce, you can simmer it longer on the stove.
Variation
You can switch things up by adding different herbs like oregano or thyme for a different flavor. You can also roast some bell peppers or carrots with the tomatoes for added sweetness.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes, but fresh tomatoes will give the best flavor.
2. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge or freeze it for later use.
3. How do I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it on low heat until it thickens. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of water to thin it.
