Tomato Cream Sauce
A creamy tomato sauce with rich flavors from fresh tomatoes, onion, and bacon drippings, perfect for pasta or as a versatile topping for various dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan, add chopped fresh ripe tomatoes to fill half to three-quarters full, then add sliced onion.
- Add salt to taste and do not add water.
- Cook, covered or partially covered, over medium heat to render the juice.
- When thoroughly cooked, press the mixture through a strainer to extract the juice.
- Discard the tomato and onion pulp.
- Brown 3 to 4 heaping tablespoonfuls of flour in a small amount of bacon drippings.
- Add the browned flour to the tomato juice and stir over low heat to thicken.
- Add sugar to taste.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of whipping cream and cook over low heat, stirring until smooth.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce. If fresh tomatoes are out of season, canned tomatoes can be a handy substitute. Use unsalted butter or olive oil in place of bacon drippings for a vegetarian option. Adjust the flour amount based on the desired thickness; more flour will yield a thicker sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This tomato cream sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, grilled chicken, or fish. Consider serving it over egg puffs for a delightful brunch option. It can also complement roasted vegetables or be used as a base for a creamy pizza sauce. Fresh basil or parsley can enhance its flavor when garnished before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tomato cream sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or cream to restore its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Cream Sauce contains roughly 295 calories, with 8g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2235mg per serving (97% 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 dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Yes, dried herbs can be used, but remember that they are more concentrated in flavor. Use about a third of the amount you would use for fresh herbs. Adding dried oregano or basil can enhance the sauce's flavor profile without overpowering the tomatoes.
How can I make this sauce vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the whipping cream with a plant-based cream alternative, such as coconut cream or cashew cream. You can also replace bacon drippings with olive oil or vegan butter for cooking the flour, ensuring a rich flavor.
Can I freeze this sauce for later use?
Yes, you can freeze tomato cream sauce! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of cream or water to adjust the consistency.
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).