User Friendly Freezer Tomato Sauce
A vibrant, homemade freezer tomato sauce packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for various dishes, suiting busy cooks and flavor lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 6 c. peeled, chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano leaves, crushed ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine chopped onion, celery, green pepper, minced garlic, and water in a 2-quart microwave-safe casserole.
- Cover with a casserole lid or plastic wrap.
- Microwave on full power for 6 to 7 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring once.
- Stir in peeled, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, chili powder, crushed basil, and crushed oregano.
- Cover again and microwave on full power for 30 to 35 minutes or until thickened, stirring 2 or 3 times.
- Allow the sauce to cool before storing or serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar during the final cooking stage. You can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned tomatoes if needed, but use whole or diced instead of stewed for a better texture. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can replace dried ones. If you like a spicier sauce, add more chili powder or red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This sauce is perfect for pasta, serving as a base for lasagna, or as a topping for baked potatoes. Pair it with garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. It also works well as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or as a base for dishes like Open Faced Tuna Sandwiches. For a twist, consider blending with some cream for a rosé sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to six months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of User Friendly Freezer Tomato Sauce contains roughly 1268 calories, with 24g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (159% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (144% of the Daily Value), and calcium (87% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1846mg per serving (80% 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, fresh tomatoes can be used in this recipe. You'll need about 6 cups of peeled and chopped fresh tomatoes. Blanch them in boiling water for a minute to make peeling easier, then chop them. The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the sauce as it thickens.
How can I customize the flavor of the sauce?
You can easily customize the sauce by adding different vegetables like carrots or zucchini for more texture. Additionally, incorporating spices such as Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper can enhance the flavor profile. For a smoky taste, try adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This sauce is ideal for freezing. Just make sure it's cooled completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Portioning it into smaller amounts can make it easier to thaw as needed. When you're ready to use it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on a low setting.
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).