Tomato Gravy For Pasta Dishes
A rich, savory tomato gravy with deep flavors from sautéed onions and garlic, perfect for pasta dishes and suitable for casual or family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil slightly in a heavy, large roaster.
- Add chopped onions and sliced garlic, and sauté on low heat until transparent.
- Add more olive oil if necessary to prevent sticking.
- Slowly add tomato paste, blending and frying until all is added and the mixture darkens in color, about 1 hour.
- Add the whole canned tomatoes along with their liquid and stir well.
- Add 1/2 cup sugar and stir to combine.
- Season with salt and red pepper to taste.
- Adjust seasoning after cooking for several hours if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine after sautéing the onions and garlic. If you're short on time, canned diced tomatoes can be substituted for fresh whole tomatoes. To enhance the herbal notes, try adding a pinch of dried oregano or thyme along with the fresh basil. This tomato gravy is also the base for many Italian recipes, making it versatile for various dishes.
Serving Suggestions
This tomato gravy pairs beautifully with pasta dishes like spaghetti or penne, and is perfect for topping baked dishes such as a Broccoli And Spaghetti Casserole. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. It can also be used as a sauce for vegetable lasagna or as a flavorful addition to a Vegetable Pasta Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tomato gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Gravy For Pasta Dishes contains roughly 1583 calories, with 81g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 114g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (206% of the Daily Value), protein (162% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make this tomato gravy in advance?
Yes, this tomato gravy can be made ahead of time. It actually improves in flavor after resting, so feel free to prepare it a day or two in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, and reheat gently before serving.
Is this tomato gravy suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! This tomato gravy is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. You can enjoy it with your favorite vegan pasta dishes or use it as a base for other vegan recipes without any modifications.
What can I do with leftover tomato gravy?
Leftover tomato gravy can be used in various ways. It makes a great base for soups, stews, or as a sauce for pizza. You can even mix it with grains like quinoa or rice for a flavorful side dish or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
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).