Homemade Tomato Sauce at home

Here’s a classic homemade tomato sauce recipe using fresh or canned tomatoes — simple, flavorful, and perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes.

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🍅 Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 45–60 minutes

🍝 Yield: ~4 cups

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Ingredients:

Option 1: Using Fresh Tomatoes

• 2.5 to 3 lbs (1.2 to 1.4 kg) ripe tomatoes (Roma or plum tomatoes work best)

• Boiling water (for blanching & peeling tomatoes)

Option 2: Using Canned Tomatoes

• 2 cans (28 oz / ~800g each) whole peeled tomatoes or crushed tomatoes

Base Ingredients:

• 2–3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt, to taste (start with 1 tsp)

• 1 tsp sugar (optional; helps balance acidity)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning

• A few fresh basil leaves (or 1 tsp dried basil)

• Optional: 1–2 tbsp tomato paste (for richer flavor)

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Instructions:

✅ If Using Fresh Tomatoes:

1. Blanch & Peel:
   Score an “X” at the bottom of each tomato. Boil them for 30–60 seconds until skins loosen. Transfer to ice water, then peel skins off.

2. Chop:
   Roughly chop the peeled tomatoes and remove most of the seeds.

🍳 Make the Sauce:

3. Sauté Aromatics:
   In a large saucepan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent (~5–7 minutes).
   Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add Tomatoes:
   Add chopped fresh or canned tomatoes to the pan. If using whole canned tomatoes, crush them by hand or with a spoon.

5. Season:
   Stir in salt, pepper, sugar, oregano, and tomato paste (if using). Add torn basil leaves.

6. Simmer:
   Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning.

7. Blend (Optional):
   For a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and puree. For chunky sauce, leave as is.

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Storage:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5–7 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

• Toss with pasta or gnocchi

• Use as a base for lasagna or baked ziti

• Spread on pizza

• Spoon over grilled chicken or eggplant