Authentic Greek-style Tomato Sauce
Experience the rich flavors of Mediterranean cooking with this Authentic Greek-style Tomato Sauce. Made with ripe, juicy tomatoes and aromatic herbs, this sauce is the perfect companion for pasta, grilled meats, or as a base for many traditional Greek dishes. The addition of red wine and spices like cinnamon and allspice create a depth of flavor that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Greece. Share this delectable sauce with family and friends—it’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
6
Servings
200
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
Onion
1, chopped fine (finely chopped)
Garlic
1 clove, chopped fine (finely chopped)
Chopped tomatoes
4 1/2 cups (peeled and chopped)
Chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (fresh, chopped)
Oregano
2 teaspoons (dried)
Dry red wine
1 cup (none)
Tomato sauce
8 ounces (none)
Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Ground allspice
1 pinch (none)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large non-stick frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, fresh parsley, and oregano, mixing well.
4
Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer for approximately 25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are very tender.
5
After the tomatoes are tender, incorporate the dry red wine, tomato sauce, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, and season with salt and fresh ground black pepper.
6
Continue to cook uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine all flavors.
7
Once the sauce has thickened to your preference, remove it from heat. Let it cool before storing in an airtight container.
8
This sauce can be refrigerated for several days or frozen for later use.
Nutrition Information
12
Fat
20
Carbs
2
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Greek-style Tomato Sauce?
It is a rich Mediterranean sauce made with ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, red wine, and warm spices like cinnamon and allspice.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this sauce?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Is this Greek-style tomato sauce vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as a vegetable dish and is suitable for vegetarians.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include olive oil, onion, garlic, chopped tomatoes, fresh parsley, oregano, dry red wine, tomato sauce, cinnamon, and allspice.
What type of oil should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of olive oil, which is a staple of Mediterranean cooking.
How long does it take to sauté the onion and garlic?
The onion and garlic should be sautéed over medium heat for about 5 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Do the tomatoes need to be peeled?
Yes, the recipe recommends using 4 1/2 cups of peeled and chopped tomatoes.
How long should the tomatoes simmer initially?
The tomatoes should simmer covered for approximately 25 minutes until they are very tender.
What type of wine is used in this sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of dry red wine to add depth of flavor.
Why is cinnamon added to the tomato sauce?
Ground cinnamon is a traditional Greek addition that creates a unique depth of flavor and warmth.
How much allspice is used?
The recipe uses just a pinch of ground allspice to complement the other Mediterranean flavors.
Should the sauce be cooked covered or uncovered at the end?
The sauce should be cooked uncovered for the final 20 minutes to allow it to thicken.
Can this sauce be frozen?
Yes, this sauce can be frozen for later use once it has cooled completely.
How should I store leftover sauce?
Leftover sauce should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 20 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in this tomato sauce?
There are 2 grams of protein per serving.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and 2 teaspoons of dried oregano.
Is this sauce spicy?
No, it is a savory and aromatic sauce, though it is seasoned with fresh ground black pepper to taste.
What kind of pan is best for making this sauce?
A large non-stick frying pan is recommended for cooking the ingredients evenly.
Can I use this sauce for pasta?
Yes, it is specifically described as a perfect companion for pasta.
What other dishes pair well with Greek tomato sauce?
It works well with grilled meats and serves as an excellent base for various traditional Greek dishes.
How much tomato sauce (canned) is added to the fresh tomatoes?
8 ounces of tomato sauce are added to the fresh tomato mixture during the second stage of cooking.
Is this recipe considered Mediterranean?
Yes, it is an authentic Greek-style recipe featuring classic Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil and red wine.
How much garlic do I need?
The recipe requires 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, it is ideal for making ahead of time as it stores well in the refrigerator or freezer.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, the recipe does not list added sugar, relying on the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and wine.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped before being added to the pan.
How do I know when the sauce is finished?
The sauce is ready once it has thickened to your preference after the final simmering stage.