Molho de Tomate

Bring the taste of Italy to your kitchen with this classic 'Molho de Tomate' recipe, a rich and flavorful homemade tomato sauce that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, and more! Made from scratch with ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, and a medley of fresh basil, oregano, and a hint of sweetness from carrots and sugar, this sauce strikes the perfect balance of hearty and herbaceous. Slow-simmered with olive oil and a splash of water, it develops deep, comforting flavors that make every bite unforgettable. With a cook time of just 45 minutes, this versatile sauce can be blended smooth or left chunky, depending on your preference. Simple, wholesome, and utterly delicious, this 'Molho de Tomate' is a must-have recipe in every home cook's repertoire.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 large ripe tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 small carrot
• 1 celery stalk
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 10 basil leaves
• 0.5 teaspoon oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing the tomatoes: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Score a small 'X' on the bottom of each tomato with a sharp knife. Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds or until the skins start to peel away.

Step 2

Remove the tomatoes from the boiling water and immediately transfer them into a bowl of ice water to cool. Once cooled, peel the skins off, core, and roughly chop the tomatoes.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Dice the onion and add it to the pan, sautéing until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Mince the garlic cloves and add to the onions, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Finely chop the carrot and celery. Add them to the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are beginning to soften.

Step 6

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to enhance its flavors.

Step 7

Add the chopped tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Tear the basil leaves into small pieces and add them along with the oregano and bay leaf to the sauce.

Step 9

Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a slow boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Use an immersion blender if a smoother sauce is desired, or leave it chunky for extra texture.

Step 11

Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, then serve warm with your favorite pasta or dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1557.5 grams (1557.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	614

Total Fat 31.10g	40%
Saturated Fat 4.50g	23%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2507mg	109%
Total Carbohydrate 79.90g	29%
Dietary Fiber 20.60g	74%
Total Sugars 46.00g
Protein 15.80g	32%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 260mg	20%
Iron 7mg	37%
Potassium 3548mg	75%

*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: 42.2%

Protein: 9.5%

Carbs: 48.2%