Garden Tomato Sauce

Capture the vibrant flavors of summer with this Garden Tomato Sauce, a homemade recipe that celebrates the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs. This sauce is a labor of love, starting with perfectly blanched and peeled tomatoes to preserve their juicy freshness. Sautéed yellow onion, garlic, and grated carrot create a flavorful base, while fresh basil and oregano add layers of aromatic depth. A pinch of sugar balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes, and the optional red pepper flakes bring a touch of heat for those who crave a little kick. Simmered to perfection in just under an hour, this versatile sauce is the ideal complement to pasta, pizza, or any dish that calls for a robust, garden-fresh tomato flavor. It's a simple, wholesome recipe that's perfect for meal prep, freezing, or sharing with family and friends.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ripe tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium (finely chopped) yellow onion
• 4 cloves (minced) garlic cloves
• 1 small (grated) carrot
• 6 large leaves (chopped) fresh basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon (chopped) fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing the tomatoes: Bring a large pot of water to boil. Using a sharp knife, make a small 'X' incision at the bottom of each tomato. Once the water is boiling, carefully drop the tomatoes in for 30-60 seconds, or until the skins start to loosen.

Step 2

Remove the tomatoes from the boiling water and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool. Peel off the skins, then chop the tomatoes finely, reserving any juices.

Step 3

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and grated carrot to the pan. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.

Step 5

Stir in the chopped tomatoes and their juices. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Add the fresh basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. If desired, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9

Remove the sauce from the heat. If you prefer a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to puree it, or transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth.

Step 10

Serve your garden tomato sauce over freshly cooked pasta, as a pizza topping, or as a base for other recipes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1159.5 grams (1159.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	534

Total Fat 30.50g	39%
Saturated Fat 4.40g	22%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2442mg	106%
Total Carbohydrate 61.20g	22%
Dietary Fiber 17.10g	61%
Total Sugars 34.30g
Protein 12.40g	25%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 227mg	17%
Iron 6mg	31%
Potassium 2667mg	57%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.3%

Protein: 8.7%

Carbs: 43.0%