Tomato sauce is one of those kitchen staples we always reach for. From pasta and pizza to stews, risottos, and dipping sauces, it enhances the flavor of countless dishes.

While store-bought sauces are convenient, nothing beats the freshness and flavor of homemade tomato sauce. By making it ourselves, we control the sweetness, acidity, and texture, crafting a sauce exactly how we like it.

Today, we'll guide you through a full, step-by-step process to make rich, smooth, and delicious tomato sauce.

What We'll Make

We're aiming for a classic tomato sauce: naturally sweet, slightly tangy, and thick enough to coat pasta or be used in other dishes. This sauce is versatile, and we can adjust flavors—make it herby, spicy, or garlicky depending on what we want.

Ingredients for One Batch (About 500g)

- 2–3 pounds (1–1.5 kg) ripe tomatoes (Roma, or Cherry)

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1–2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for richer flavor)

- 5–6 fresh basil leaves or 1 teaspoon dried basil

- ¼ teaspoon black pepper

- Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes, 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to adjust acidity)

- These ingredients create a balanced sauce with fresh, rich flavor.

How To Make It

Step 1: Wash and Prepare Tomatoes

1. Rinse tomatoes under running water to remove dirt and residues.

2. Remove stems and any hard cores.

3. Cut the tomatoes into quarters or smaller chunks for even cooking.

This ensures the tomatoes cook evenly and the sauce develops a consistent flavor.

Step 2: Blanch and Peel Tomatoes

1. Bring some water to a boil in a saucepan.

2. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 30–40 seconds until the skins loosen.

3. Immediately transfer to ice water to cool.

4. Peel off the skins carefully.

Peeling creates a smooth, silky sauce without tough textures.

Step 3: Cook the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

2. Sauté the onion and garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add peeled tomatoes to the pan.

4. Stir in salt, sugar, black pepper, and basil.

5. Add optional chili flakes for a little heat.

6. Simmer on medium-low for 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Slow simmering lets water evaporate, concentrating the flavor and thickening the sauce.

Step 4: Blend for Smoothness

1. Once the tomatoes are soft, use a hand blender or regular blender to puree the sauce.

2. Taste and adjust seasoning: add more salt, sugar, or lemon juice as needed.

This gives a silky, uniform texture perfect for all dishes.

Step 5: Store Your Sauce

1. Let the sauce cool completely.

2. Transfer it to a clean, airtight jar or container.

3. Refrigerate for up to 7 days or freeze in portions for longer storage.

Proper storage preserves flavor and keeps the sauce ready for quick meals.

Flavor Variations We Love

- Sweet: Add extra sugar or finely diced carrots.

- Herby: Mix in thyme, oregano, or rosemary for layered flavors.

- Spicy: Include chili flakes or fresh chili for a gentle heat.

- Garlic Lovers: Sauté extra garlic for a richer taste.

We can experiment with flavors to match different dishes or personal preferences.

Ways We Use Tomato Sauce

Homemade tomato sauce is incredibly versatile. We can:

- Toss it with pasta for a quick meal.

- Spread it on pizza dough before baking.

- Stir into risottos, stews, or braised dishes.

- Use as a dipping sauce or base for soups.

All-natural, additive-free, and packed with flavor, it's a healthier choice for everyday meals.

Our Tomato Sauce Takeaway

Making tomato sauce at home is easier than it seems, but the secret lies in the little details: picking perfectly ripe tomatoes, peeling them carefully, simmering slowly, and blending until silky smooth.

Once we get the hang of these steps, we can enjoy a rich, flavorful, and healthy tomato sauce anytime. Let's roll up our sleeves and fill our kitchens with the irresistible scent of fresh, homemade tomatoes!