Roasted Tomato Sauce

This roasted tomato sauce is the ultimate homemade sauce that’s simply irresistible! Made with only a few simple ingredients, it’s incredibly easy and convenient to prepare. This versatile sauce can be used in a wide range of recipes, adding a burst of flavor to any dish.

There’s nothing quite like the rich flavor of homemade tomato sauce, especially when it’s made from roasted tomatoes. Roasting the tomatoes, along with onion and garlic, intensifies their natural sweetness and gives the sauce a delicious depth of flavor.

With just a few simple ingredients, this roasted tomato sauce recipe is easy to make and perfect for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, using it as a pizza sauce, or adding it to your favorite dishes, this sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Jump to:

• Ingredients you’ll need
• How to make roasted tomato sauce
• Recipe video
• Tips & recipe notes
• Serving suggestions
• Variations
• Storage tips
• FAQs
• Recipe

Ingredients you’ll need

This roasted tomato sauce requires only a handful of ingredients.

• Tomatoes: You can use any kind of tomatoes for this recipe, but I recommend using ripe ones for the best flavor. Personally, I prefer using Roma tomatoes as they have a lower moisture content. Cherry or grape tomatoes also work well.
• Onion & Garlic: They are added to tomato sauce for flavor and depth. As aromatic vegetables, they help to enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and balance out the acidity.
• Salt & Spices: Sea salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper are added to create a well-rounded and flavorful tomato sauce.
• Olive Oil: It helps to soften and caramelize the tomatoes during roasting, enhancing their sweetness and creating a depth of flavor. It also helps to distribute the flavors of the spices evenly throughout the sauce.

Full ingredient measurements and detailed instructions are located in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. This section covers notes on ingredients and possible substitutions.

How to make roasted tomato sauce

There are many ways to make homemade tomato sauce, but I guarantee that this is the best for two main reasons: the sauce is incredibly delicious and requires very little work. It’s a simple homemade tomato sauce to make.

Step 1: Prep

First, prepare the ingredients.

• Cut the tomatoes in half (or into quarters if they’re large)
• Peel the onion and cut it into wedges.
• Peel the garlic cloves.
• Measure the salt, spices, and olive oil.

Then, combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl, and mix well with your hands to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the oil and spices.

Alternatively, you can also mix all the ingredients directly on the baking sheet that is going to the oven, as shown in this video.

Step 2: Roast

Transfer the ingredients to the prepared baking sheet in a single layer with the open face of the tomatoes facing up.

Then, place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for about 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and slightly browned.

Step 3: Blend

After roasting, allow the mixture to cool down, and then transfer it to a blender or food processor. Blend the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. You can leave it slightly chunky or puree it until it’s smooth.

And that’s it! Your homemade roasted tomato sauce is ready to be enjoyed.

Recipe video

Watch how to make this recipe:

Tips & recipe notes

• Tomato sauce can appear orange instead of red due to the addition of olive oil. When the sauce is blended in a food processor or blender, the olive oil emulsifies with the tomato juices and causes the sauce to become lighter in color. The longer you blend the sauce, the lighter it will become. However, even though the color may change, the taste of the sauce remains the same. To achieve a sauce with a red color, simply use the “pulse” function of the blender or food processor and blend the mixture quickly.
• The roasting process intensifies the flavors of the tomatoes (and their natural umami) and the other ingredients, resulting in a rich and delicious sauce. No need to worry about seasoning the tomato sauce as the roasting process already imparts a well-balanced flavor profile.
• Unlike stovetop tomato sauces that require additional liquids like water, this recipe doesn’t need any extra liquid as the ingredients are reduced and concentrated during roasting, resulting in a naturally thick and flavorful sauce.
• When it comes to tomato seeds, I personally find it easier to leave them in for the preparation. In my experience, they don’t affect the flavor or make the sauce bitter. I don’t mind seeing them in the sauce, but if you prefer to remove them or can’t consume them, it’s best to do so before roasting.
• When roasting the tomatoes, be sure to give them enough space on the baking sheet so that they can roast evenly. Overcrowding the pan can result in unevenly roasted tomatoes and a less flavorful sauce.

Serving suggestions

Here are some suggestions for using the roasted tomato sauce, but feel free to use it in any recipe that calls for tomato sauce. You can use it in dishes like lasagna, casseroles, ratatouille, shepherd’s pie, and many other recipes. The possibilities are endless!

• Use as a pasta sauce: Roasted tomato sauce is perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. You can also add some sautéed vegetables or protein, such as roasted chickpeas, baked tofu, or vegan meatballs.
• Use as a pizza sauce: Spread the roasted tomato sauce over a pizza crust, add your favorite toppings, and bake in the oven for a delicious homemade pizza.
• Use as a dipping sauce: Roasted tomato sauce makes a great dipping sauce for breadsticks, garlic bread, or even tofu nuggets.
• Use as a base for soups or stews: Add some broth, vegetables, and protein to the roasted tomato sauce to make a hearty soup or stew. For example, the roasted tomato sauce works wonders in this cauliflower chickpea curry recipe, elevating the flavors to the next level.

Be creative and experiment with different ways to use the sauce!

Variations

• You can add other herbs and spices to the sauce, such as basil, oregano, or thyme, depending on your taste and the dishes you’re making. If you decide to use fresh herbs, it’s best to avoid roasting them as they tend to burn easily. Instead, add them when blending the sauce for optimal flavor.
• While roasting the tomatoes does impart a great flavor, you can still adjust the seasoning to your liking. For example, you may want to add red pepper flakes for for a spicy kick.
• Roasting additional vegetables along with the tomatoes can add even more depth of flavor to the sauce. Red bell peppers is a great option to try for a smoky and sweet flavor.

Storage tips

Once the roasted tomato sauce has cooled down, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 6 months.

For freezing the roasted tomato sauce, it’s recommended to use smaller containers or ziplock bags, which can be measured according to the portion you usually use in a recipe.

• If using a container, leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion as the sauce freezes. Label the container with the date and contents before placing it in the freezer.
• If using a silicone or a ziplock bag, squeeze out any excess air before sealing it shut and placing it spread flat in the freezer.

You can also freeze the sauce in ice cube trays, especially if you often use small amounts of sauce.

To defrost, you can either place the sauce in the fridge or heat it up on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQs

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