The Best Roasted Tomato Sauce

The Best Roasted Tomato Sauce is a rich and flavorful sauce that brings out the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes. It’s an excellent way to capture the essence of summer in a jar, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for various dishes.

If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly delicious sauce that elevates any meal, you’ve come to the right place. Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their flavor, and when combined with aromatic herbs and garlic, you get a sauce that’s bursting with depth and complexity. I’ve been in the mood for fresh, vibrant flavors, and this sauce reminds me of the warmth and abundance of summer. Not a fan of traditional tomato sauces? Don’t worry, it’s still delightful with any dish.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Blender or food processor
• Large saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Vegetables: Place the halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and garlic cloves on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
3. Roast Vegetables: Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly charred around the edges.
4. Blend Sauce: Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and let them cool slightly. Transfer to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You may need to do this in batches.
5. Simmer Sauce: Pour the blended mixture into a large saucepan. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add sugar if the sauce is too acidic. Simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water to reach the desired consistency.
7. Serve and Store: Serve the sauce immediately over your favorite pasta or use as desired. Garnish with fresh basil if you like. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for up to three months.

Enjoy this roasted tomato sauce, bursting with fresh, rich flavors that are sure to enhance any dish you pair it with!