Roasted Tomato Sauce

$To make a great roasted tomato sauce, you need just a few key ingredients: - 3 pounds ripe tomatoes (preferably Roma or vine-ripened), halved - 1 medium onion, quartered - 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional but recommended) These ingredients blend together to create a rich and flavorful sauce. The tomatoes form the base, while the onion and garlic add depth. The olive oil helps everything roast nicely, bringing out the natural sweetness of the veggies. You can enhance this sauce even more with a few optional additions: - A splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity - A pinch of sugar to balance the flavors - Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh touch These ingredients can take your sauce to the next level. Experiment to find your perfect blend! When selecting tomatoes, look for these tips: - Choose ripe tomatoes with a deep color. - Avoid any that are bruised or have blemishes. - Smell them! Ripe tomatoes should have a sweet, earthy scent. Using the best tomatoes makes a big difference. Fresh, in-season tomatoes will yield the tastiest sauce. Enjoy the process of picking out the perfect ones! To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps caramelize the tomatoes. Next, grab a large baking sheet. Place the halved tomatoes, cut-side up, on the sheet. Add the quartered onion and unpeeled garlic cloves around them. This mix of veggies will roast nicely together. Drizzle two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the top. Sprinkle in one teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil. If you like heat, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Finish with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss it all lightly with your hands to combine. Now, place the baking sheet in the oven. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes. Watch closely; the tomatoes should get soft and slightly charred around the edges. Once the roasting is done, take the baking sheet out and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to handle. Squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of their skins and toss the skins away. Next, transfer the roasted tomatoes, onion, and garlic into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. If you want some texture, pulse it a few times for a chunkier sauce. Always taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan. Simmer it over low heat for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. Once it’s ready, serve it hot over your favorite pasta. You can also let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last up to one week. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To get that rich, roasted taste, use ripe tomatoes. They have more flavor and sweetness. Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the sugars in the tomatoes caramelize. Arrange the tomatoes cut-side up for even roasting. Toss in onion and garlic for added depth. Use good quality olive oil; it enhances every bite. Avoid using unripe tomatoes; they lack flavor. Don't overcrowd the pan, as this traps steam. Make sure the oven is hot before placing your tomatoes inside. If you skip the seasoning, your sauce may taste flat. Remember to check the sauce while it simmers; it needs your attention. This sauce is perfect over pasta, but it shines in many dishes. Serve it with grilled chicken or fish for a fresh twist. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for bread. For a creamy option, mix in some cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and taste. For more recipes, check the Full Recipe section. {{image_4}} To make a spicy version, add red pepper flakes. Use about ½ teaspoon for a mild heat. If you like it hotter, feel free to add more. This spice brings warmth to the sauce and pairs well with pasta or pizza. You can boost the flavor with fresh herbs. Try adding basil, thyme, or parsley. Chop them finely and mix them in before blending. Fresh herbs add a bright taste that makes the sauce sing. For a creamy twist, add heavy cream or a splash of coconut milk. Stir it in after blending the sauce. This will give a rich and velvety texture. It makes the sauce perfect for a comforting meal. You can find the full recipe above to create these tasty variations. Enjoy exploring these fun options! Once your roasted tomato sauce cools, store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to one week in the fridge. Label the container with the date. This way, you can track how long it has been stored. If you have leftovers, remember to check for any off smells before using. You can freeze the sauce for longer storage. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top of the container, as the sauce will expand when frozen. It can last for about three months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for quick defrosting. Leftover roasted tomato sauce is versatile. You can use it for pasta, pizza, or as a base for soups. Try mixing it with grilled vegetables or drizzling it over roasted meats. For a fun twist, serve it as a dipping sauce with breadsticks or cheese. Enjoy the delicious flavors again in new ways! To make roasted tomato sauce, you need fresh tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the tomatoes in half and place them on a baking sheet. Add quartered onion and unpeeled garlic cloves. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle herbs on top. Roast for 30-35 minutes until they are soft and caramelized. Blend the roasted mix until smooth. Simmer on low heat for ten minutes. This method brings out rich flavors. You can find the full recipe later in this article. Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. They are convenient and still tasty. Look for high-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano. Drain any excess liquid before using. Roasting fresh tomatoes gives a unique flavor, but canned tomatoes work well for a quick sauce. Just skip the roasting step and blend them straight. To adjust acidity, add sugar or carrots. A small pinch of sugar helps balance the flavors. You can also add grated carrots during cooking. They add sweetness and nutrients. Taste as you go to find the right balance for your sauce. Roasted tomato sauce lasts about one week in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. It freezes well for up to three months, making it great for meal prep. Yes, you can add other vegetables! Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms work well. Roast them with the tomatoes for extra flavor. Just chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly. This adds more depth and nutrition to your sauce. Roasted tomato sauce is simple and tasty. We covered main and optional ingredients to boost flavor. I shared tips for picking the best tomatoes. Followed by steps for roasting, blending, and cooking the sauce. You learned tricks for perfect flavor and common mistakes to avoid. We also explored fun sauce variations and how to store leftovers. In cooking, creativity leads to great taste. Try your own twists, and enjoy!$

Discover the joy of homemade Roasted Tomato Sauce Bliss with this easy-to-follow recipe! Made with fresh tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and aromatic herbs, this sauce bursts with flavor and is perfect for pasta nights. Learn how to roast your ingredients to perfection and create a delightful sauce that will impress everyone. Click to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your cooking game with simple, fresh ingredients!

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Ingredients

3 pounds ripe tomatoes (preferably Roma or vine-ripened), halved

1 medium onion, quartered

4 cloves garlic, unpeeled

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional but recommended)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help caramelize the natural sugars in the tomatoes.

Take a large, rimmed baking sheet and arrange the halved tomatoes cut-side up. Distribute the quartered onion and the unpeeled garlic cloves among the tomatoes to ensure even roasting.

Generously drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the vegetables. Next, season with dried oregano, dried basil, optional red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything lightly with your hands to ensure even coverage.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you're looking for the tomatoes to become caramelized and slightly charred around the edges. They should be soft and juicy.

Once roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven and set it aside to cool for a few minutes, making it easier to handle.

Gently squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of their skins and discard the skins. Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onion, and garlic into a blender or food processor.

Blend the mixture until you achieve a smooth consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the blender a few times until you reach your desired level of smoothness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan and simmer over low heat for approximately 10 minutes. This will help the flavors meld beautifully.

Once done, serve your dreamy roasted tomato sauce hot over pasta or your choice of dish. Alternatively, allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can keep for up to one week.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the warm sauce over your favorite pasta. Add a garnish of fresh basil leaves for a fragrant touch. Enhance the flavor by drizzling a bit of extra virgin olive oil on top before serving for a beautiful finish.