Savory Heirloom Tomato Pasta Sauce
Transform your bounty of ripe tomatoes into a rich and flavorful pasta sauce with this Savory Heirloom Tomato Pasta Sauce recipe. Perfectly seasoned with herbs and a hint of sweetness, this sauce captures the essence of summer and is ideal for pasta, lasagna, or even as a base for homemade pizza. Freezing it in convenient portions makes it easy to enjoy throughout the year without cluttering your freezer. Add some ground meat or your favorite veggies to customize it to your taste!
10
Servings
220
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
onions
2 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
green pepper
1/2 (chopped)
vegetable oil
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
chopped tomatoes
8 cups (with no skins)
oregano
1 tablespoon (dried)
dried basil
1 teaspoon
chopped parsley
1 tablespoon (fresh)
white sugar
2 tablespoons
salt
1 tablespoon
pepper
1/2 teaspoon
tomato paste
1 (6 ounce can)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the chopped onions, minced garlic, diced green pepper, and vegetable oil. Sauté until the onions are soft and transparent, about 5-7 minutes.
2
In a separate large pot, add the 8 cups of chopped tomatoes, oregano, dried basil, chopped parsley, white sugar, salt, pepper, and the entire contents of the 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
3
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, and allow the flavors to meld together beautifully; the sauce should thicken and darken.
4
Once the sauce has cooled to room temperature, carefully pour it into quart-sized containers or freezer bags, making sure to leave a little space at the top for expansion as it freezes.
5
Seal the containers or bags tightly and store them in the freezer. To use, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove before serving.
6
Note: For a heartier sauce, consider adding cooked ground beef, sausage, or mushrooms when reheating.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
38g
Carbs
4g
Protein
4g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Heirloom Tomato Pasta Sauce?
It is a rich and flavorful pasta sauce made from ripe heirloom tomatoes, herbs, and spices, ideal for pasta, lasagna, or pizza.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What type of tomatoes are best for this sauce?
Ripe heirloom tomatoes are used to capture the essence of summer and provide a rich flavor.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes before cooking?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 8 cups of chopped tomatoes with no skins.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 hours to allow flavors to meld and the texture to thicken.
What herbs are included in the sauce?
The recipe calls for oregano, dried basil, and fresh chopped parsley.
Is there sugar in this tomato sauce recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of white sugar are added to provide a hint of sweetness and balance the acidity.
Can this pasta sauce be frozen?
Yes, the sauce is designed to be frozen in convenient portions for year-round use.
How should I store the sauce in the freezer?
Pour the cooled sauce into quart-sized containers or freezer bags, leaving space at the top for expansion.
What is the best way to reheat the frozen sauce?
Thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it on the stove before serving.
Can I add meat to this heirloom tomato sauce?
Yes, you can add cooked ground beef or sausage when reheating for a heartier meal.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable oil and no meat products.
Is this sauce vegan-friendly?
Yes, all ingredients listed in the base recipe are vegan.
What vegetables are sautéed at the beginning?
Chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced green peppers are sautéed in vegetable oil.
How much tomato paste is required?
The recipe requires one 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried basil, fresh basil can be used as a substitute, typically in a larger quantity.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 220 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 4 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this sauce?
The sauce contains 5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 38 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use this sauce as a pizza base?
Yes, it serves as an excellent base for homemade pizza.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
Continue simmering the sauce uncovered; the 2-3 hour cook time is intended to thicken and darken the sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from sticking to the pot?
Stir the mixture frequently while it is simmering on low heat.
Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?
Yes, mushrooms can be added during reheating to customize the sauce to your taste.
What size containers are recommended for freezing?
Quart-sized containers or freezer bags are recommended for storage.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onions are soft and transparent.
Should the sauce be cooled before freezing?
Yes, allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before pouring it into freezer containers.
Is this sauce good for lasagna?
Yes, its rich flavor makes it ideal for layering in lasagna.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
How much salt is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of salt.