Mom'S Tomato Sauce
A rich, savory tomato sauce with garlic, red pepper, and herbs, perfect for pasta or as a base for various dishes, appealing to those who love bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Puree the whole tomatoes in a blender.
- Combine the tomato puree with the can of tomato sauce and half a can of water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add minced garlic, bay leaf, chopped onion, crushed red pepper, parsley, and salt.
- Lower the heat and simmer on low for 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or fresh basil during the last hour of simmering. If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to reduce further by simmering uncovered. You can substitute crushed red pepper with fresh chili or omit it for a milder sauce. This recipe is versatile, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for dishes like Mama'S Minestrone.
Serving Suggestions
This tomato sauce is delicious served over your favorite pasta, like penne or spaghetti, and pairs beautifully with Joan'S Mostaccioli for a hearty meal. It's also a great base for homemade pizza, using Quick And Easy Pizza Dough. Consider serving it alongside a fresh Insalata Agro-Dolce for a balanced Italian meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portions using freezer bags or containers. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Tomato Sauce contains roughly 69 calories, with 3g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 973mg per serving (42% 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! For this recipe, you will need about 10-12 medium-sized tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and core them before pureeing. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to develop the flavors and achieve the desired consistency.
How can I make this sauce less spicy?
To reduce the spiciness, you can decrease the amount of crushed red pepper or omit it entirely. Adding a pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity and heat. Additionally, incorporating more onions or garlic can mellow the flavors while enhancing the overall taste.
Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This tomato sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
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).