Tomato Sauce
A rich, flavorful tomato sauce perfect for pasta, meats, or vegetables. Made with canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasoned with herbs and spices, it offers a hearty, savory taste. Ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or layering in various dishes, it brings warmth and depth to any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chopped onion and green pepper in oil for about 5 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and four cans of water; stir well.
- Add whole tomatoes and break them up in the saucepan, then add all herbs, stir well, cover and simmer for about 2 hours.
- Taste for flavor; if not enough, add more herbs.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering. If you don't have fresh parsley, you can substitute with fresh basil, which also complements the tomatoes beautifully. Adjust spices according to your taste; try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. This sauce works well for Mediterranean recipes or as a base for pasta dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tomato sauce over your favorite pasta for a classic meal. It also makes a great base for pizza or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. Consider pairing it with a fresh salad like Beets And Orange Salad or some garlic bread for a complete dinner experience. This sauce can elevate any simple dish into something special.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the tomato sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Gently heat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Sauce contains roughly 377 calories, with 14g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (171% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (146% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (146% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 654mg per serving (28% 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 2-3 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Blanch them to remove the skins, chop, and then add them to the saucepan. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to achieve the same thickness as canned products.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian or vegan?
This tomato sauce is already vegetarian and can easily be made vegan. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you add, like pasta or bread, are also vegan. You can enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini during the cooking process.
What other herbs can I add for extra flavor?
In addition to the herbs listed, consider adding fresh basil or thyme for a different flavor profile. A dash of Italian seasoning or a little rosemary can also complement the sauce nicely. Just remember to adjust the quantities to maintain balance in the flavor.
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).