Frozen Tomato Sauce
Frozen Tomato Sauce offers a versatile base for pasta, pizzas, and more, bursting with fresh tomato flavor complemented by green peppers or carrots, onions, and herbs. Its robust, homemade taste makes it perfect for meal prep and quick cooking, providing a wholesome, preservable sauce for various dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pan and cook until soft.
- Let the mixture cool.
- Puree the mixture in a blender until smooth.
- Bag the pureed sauce and freeze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the pan. If you don't have green peppers, large carrots work as a great substitute. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste, and feel free to add herbs like basil or oregano for extra depth. This sauce can also be used as a base for 30-Minute Pasta Sauce or other Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This frozen tomato sauce is incredibly versatile. Serve it over pasta for a quick meal or use it as a base for a hearty stew or Sicilian Chili. It pairs beautifully with bruschetta al pomodoro, providing a fresh contrast. You can also enhance it with grated cheese, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil when serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store the frozen tomato sauce in airtight freezer bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can be kept in the freezer for up to six months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave on a low setting, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frozen Tomato Sauce contains roughly 71 calories, with 3g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (175% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1001mg per serving (44% 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 canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones aren't available. Use about 4-5 cans of whole or diced tomatoes, but adjust the salt since canned varieties can be saltier. Drain excess liquid if necessary to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
How can I make this sauce spicy?
To add some heat to your frozen tomato sauce, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. You can also blend in some hot sauce after pureeing for an extra kick. Just start with a small amount and taste as you go to reach your desired spice level.
Is this sauce suitable for canning?
While this sauce is delicious, it is not recommended for canning due to the low acidity of tomatoes and peppers. If you're interested in canning, look for recipes specifically designed for that purpose to ensure safety and proper preservation.
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).