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Easy Budget Tomato Sauce Recipe from Fresh Tomatoes for Perfect Pasta

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A straightforward, wallet-friendly tomato sauce made from fresh tomatoes, perfect for pasta nights and packed with vibrant, tangy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 grams) fresh tomatoes (Roma or plum recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Salt to taste (sea salt preferred)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
  • Optional: A pinch red pepper flakes (for subtle heat)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tomatoes (15 minutes): Wash, core, and roughly chop the tomatoes. For a smoother sauce, peel by blanching in boiling water for 30 seconds, then shock in ice water to loosen skins (optional).
  2. Sauté aromatics (5-7 minutes): Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Cook chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Add tomatoes and seasoning (5 minutes): Add chopped tomatoes to the pan. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or sugar. Stir to combine.
  4. Simmer the sauce (20-25 minutes): Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add water or broth if the sauce dries out too much.
  5. Blend (optional) and finish with basil (5 minutes): For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender or regular blender to desired consistency. Stir in torn fresh basil leaves at the end to preserve freshness.
  6. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm over your favorite pasta.

Notes

Use ripe tomatoes for best flavor; slow simmering is key to develop depth without burning. Adding garlic after onions soften prevents bitterness. Peeling tomatoes is optional depending on skin thickness. Add fresh basil at the end to preserve aroma. Sauce can be made ahead and tastes better after resting overnight. Leftovers store well refrigerated for 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato sauce, fresh tomato sauce, budget recipe, easy pasta sauce, homemade sauce, vegan, gluten-free, Italian sauce

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