Learn how to make a flavorful and versatile roasted tomato sauce from scratch. This easy recipe uses fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. Perfect for pasta dishes, pizzas, or as a base for other recipes. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and creates a rich, thick sauce that will elevate your dishes to the next level.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes
- 1 large onion
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the tomatoes in half and remove the core. Place them on a baking sheet.
- Peel and quarter the onion, then add it to the baking sheet.
- Peel the garlic cloves and add them to the baking sheet.
- Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
- Roast the tomatoes, onion, and garlic in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until they start to caramelize and become soft.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the roasted vegetables cool slightly.
- Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor. Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Blend until smooth, or until your desired consistency is reached. You can leave it slightly chunky or blend until completely smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Transfer the sauce to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Use the roasted tomato sauce immediately, or let it cool and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Interesting Facts
Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their flavor and adds a depth of sweetness.
This sauce can be customized by adding other herbs and spices to suit your taste.
You can use different varieties of tomatoes for a more complex flavor profile.
The roasted tomato sauce pairs well with a variety of dishes, such as pasta, pizza, meatballs, and grilled vegetables.