Basic "Scratch" Tomato Sauce
A vibrant, homemade tomato sauce bursting with garlic, herbs, and red wine, perfect for pasta lovers seeking rich, fresh flavors to elevate any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-low heat.
- Add the garlic and cook until it colors slightly but does not burn, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove the garlic from heat and carefully stir in the drained, coarsely chopped plum tomatoes and red wine.
- Return the pot to medium heat.
- Stir in the chopped parsley, torn basil leaves, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.
- Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
- Serve immediately or cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the garlic before adding it to the sauce. If you're out of red wine, a splash of balsamic vinegar can work as a substitute. Fresh herbs are ideal, but if you only have dried, decrease the amount by half. This sauce can be made ahead and used in recipes like Cindy'S Spaghetti or paired with Italian Marinated Tomatoes for a delicious meal.
Serving Suggestions
This tomato sauce is versatile and pairs beautifully with pasta, grilled meats, or as a base for pizza. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with Low Calorie Italian Dressing. You can also use it as a topping for baked dishes or in recipes like No-Time Vegetable Soup for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic "Scratch" Tomato Sauce contains roughly 158 calories, with 8g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (109% of the Daily Value), iron (78% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 485mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 3-4 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and chop them before adding to the sauce. Fresh tomatoes will give a delightful flavor, but the sauce may require longer cooking to thicken.
Can I make this sauce vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that your wine is also vegan, as some wines are processed with animal-derived fining agents. You can enjoy this sauce with various vegan recipes too.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, consider including red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic. Start with about 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You could also blend in some chopped fresh chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).