Homemade tomato sauce is one of those versatile kitchen staples that can elevate any dish. Whether you’re making pasta, pizza, or simply looking for a delicious topping for grilled meats or veggies, this Freshly Roasted Tomato Sauce recipe is sure to impress. Made from fresh, ripe tomatoes roasted to perfection with garlic, onions, and herbs, this sauce brings out the deep, rich flavor of the ingredients.

Why Make Homemade Roasted Tomato Sauce?

There’s something special about making tomato sauce from scratch, especially when it involves roasted tomatoes. Here are just a few reasons why you should try this recipe:

  • Maximum Flavor: Roasting tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and intensifies their flavor. Paired with garlic, onions, and fresh herbs, the result is a rich and robust sauce.
  • Healthy and Fresh: This sauce is made with whole, fresh ingredients—no preservatives, excess salt, or added sugars that are often found in store-bought sauces. You have complete control over what goes into your sauce, making it a healthier option.
  • Versatile: This roasted tomato sauce is incredibly versatile. You can use it on pizza, pasta, sandwiches, or even as a base for soups and stews. It’s also great for meal prep, as it stores well in the fridge or freezer.
  • Seasonal Ingredients: If you have an abundance of garden tomatoes or find a great deal at the market, this is the perfect recipe to use them up. You can also adjust the herbs to what’s available or in season.
  • Customizable: Whether you prefer a smooth, silky sauce or one with a bit of texture, this recipe can be easily adapted to suit your preferences.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Sauce

Ingredients List

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients, which should be easy to find at your local grocery store or farmers’ market:

  • 4 pounds ripe tomatoes – halved
  • 1 onion – chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic – minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil – chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano – chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the tomatoes: Place the halved tomatoes, cut side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Scatter the chopped onions and minced garlic over the tomatoes.
  3. Season and drizzle: Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and sugar (optional if you’d like a touch of sweetness).
  4. Roast the tomatoes: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 40-50 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly charred on the edges.
  5. Blend the sauce: Once the tomatoes are roasted, transfer the mixture (including all the juices) to a blender or food processor. Add the fresh basil, oregano, and balsamic vinegar. Blend until smooth or pulse a few times to leave the sauce slightly chunky, depending on your texture preference.
  6. Taste and adjust: After blending, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar depending on your taste.
  7. Serve or store: Use the sauce immediately on your favorite dish, or allow it to cool before transferring to an airtight container. The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips and Substitutions

This roasted tomato sauce recipe is simple, but here are a few extra tips to ensure you get the best results:

  • Tomato Variety: For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season tomatoes. Roma, heirloom, or cherry tomatoes work well, but any variety will do. The more flavorful the tomatoes, the better your sauce will taste.
  • Roasting Time: If you want a deeper, caramelized flavor, you can roast the tomatoes a bit longer, but be careful not to burn them. Keep an eye on the oven during the last 10 minutes.
  • Herb Variations: If you don’t have fresh basil or oregano, you can substitute with dried herbs. Use about 1 teaspoon of each. You can also experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
  • Garlic Lovers: For a more intense garlic flavor, you can roast whole cloves of garlic alongside the tomatoes and blend them into the sauce.
  • Acid Balance: The balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and acidity. If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as an alternative.
  • Sweetness: The optional sugar is there to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes, especially if they’re a bit under-ripe. However, if your tomatoes are naturally sweet, feel free to skip it.

Recipe Variations

This basic roasted tomato sauce is perfect on its own, but you can easily adapt it to suit your taste or the meal you’re preparing:

  • Spicy Tomato Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or roast a hot chili pepper alongside the tomatoes for a spicy kick.
  • Creamy Tomato Sauce: After blending, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk for a creamier sauce that’s perfect for pasta.
  • Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Sauce: Roast a couple of red bell peppers along with the tomatoes and blend them in for a smoky, sweet twist on the traditional recipe.
  • Garlicky Tomato Sauce: Double or triple the amount of garlic in the recipe if you’re a garlic lover.
  • Herby Tomato Sauce: Boost the flavor by adding more fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or even a little mint for a unique flavor profile.

Nutritional Information

This roasted tomato sauce is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits of the ingredients:

  • Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which has been linked to heart health and cancer prevention. Tomatoes are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.
  • Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits.
  • Olive Oil: Packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, olive oil is great for heart health and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Basil and Oregano: These fresh herbs are not only flavorful but also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 95 kcal
  • Fat: 6g (mostly from heart-healthy olive oil)
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Protein: 1.5g
  • Fiber: 2.5g
  • Sugar: 6g (natural sugars from the tomatoes)

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This roasted tomato sauce is perfect for meal prep and can be stored for future use. Here’s how you can store and serve it:

  • Storage: Once the sauce has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, divide the sauce into portions and freeze it. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
  • Reheating: When you’re ready to use the sauce, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it gently on the stovetop. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
  • Serving Suggestions:
    • Use this sauce as a base for pasta, pizza, or lasagna.
    • Pair it with grilled meats or fish.
    • Use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or garlic bread.
    • Add it to soups or stews for a tomato flavor boost.
    • For a healthy snack, serve it with fresh veggies or spread it on toast with avocado.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available. However, roasting fresh tomatoes brings out a deeper, richer flavor that canned tomatoes might lack. If using canned, opt for whole peeled tomatoes and roast them with the garlic and onions.

2. How can I make this sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it on the stovetop after blending. The longer it simmers, the more it will reduce and thicken. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste for added richness and thickness.

3. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This sauce is perfect for making ahead. It keeps well in both the fridge and freezer, so feel free to double the recipe and store portions for later use.

4. What’s the best way to reheat the sauce?

You can reheat this sauce on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it has thickened during storage, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

5. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, if you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried herbs will work fine. Use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb as a substitute.

Related Recipes

Looking for more homemade sauces or tomato-based dishes? Here are a few recipes you might enjoy:

Conclusion

This Freshly Roasted Tomato Sauce with garlic and herbs is the perfect way to enjoy the rich, robust flavors of summer tomatoes all year round. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again. Whether you use it for pasta, pizza, or any other dish, this sauce is sure to impress your family and friends.

Don’t forget to try out the recipe and share your experience in the comments below! If you’re looking for more delicious homemade recipes, be sure to check out the rest of the blog for inspiration.