How to Make Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce – Easy & Delicious
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Easy Italian tomato sauce made from scratch with just a few ingredients! It is an essential ingredient of gluten-free pasta, pizza, and lasagna or can be dipped into homemade gluten-free sourdough bread. Yummy!!
Why Do I Like This Homemade Tomato Sauce?
I love this tomato recipe for a few reasons. It’s fresher, tastier, and much healthier than store-bought versions, plus you know exactly what’s in it! This easy tomato sauce is made with just a handful of ingredients, yet it bursts with rich, deep flavours.
If you love Mediterranean Cuisine as much as I do, try this luxurious tomato sauce in a wide range of recipes on my blog. This recipe is a pillar of my blog’s delicious dishes, such as chicken meatballs in marinara sauce and gluten-free lasagna.
Or if you follow a vegetarian lifestyle, don’t miss these cheesy and flavorful aubergine parmigiana and courgette lasagna – they won’t disappoint!
Did I mention pizza? No? How dare I? This authentic Italian tomato sauce is definitely the perfect pairing for your homemade gluten-free pizza – yummy!!
You can also double or triple the recipe and store it in jars in the fridge. It can last up to 2 weeks. It may last longer, but I always run out earlier because I use it with many recipes.
Easy Italian Tomato Sauce Recipe
Italian tomato sauces come in countless varieties. Some are made with either fresh or canned tomatoes and simmered for hours, while others add chilli peppers. Some recipes use dried herbs like oregano or basil for a more traditional flavour.
Several recipes incorporate sugar to balance tomato acidity, while others rely on caramelised onions for sweetness. Each variation offers a distinctive taste and texture.
A friend who has lived in Italy for a long time told me that Italians usually don’t mix garlic and onion because of their distinct flavours. I used to cook with both of them and still do that, but when it comes to traditional Italian recipes, I stick to this rule, and indeed, the outcome is always full of flavour. Of course, some traditional Italian recipes have special dishes with both onion and garlic.
San Marzano Tomato Sauce, And What Is So Special Here?
Interestingly, this tomato sauce is also known as San Marzano sauce. So, if you want to go further, try this sauce recipe with fresh or canned San Marzano tomatoes. These tomatoes are known as the best for tomato sauce because of their thick flesh and sweetness, lower water content, and fewer seeds than others.
Among the key factors contributing to the famous taste of San Marzano tomatoes is their cultivation on potassium-rich volcanic soil between Naples and Salerno in Southern Italy.
The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This unique climate, combined with abundant sunshine, helps enhance the flavour and quality of the tomatoes. Additionally, the gentle breezes from the nearby sea help to keep the plants healthy and free from pests.
In addition, San Marzano tomatoes have a D.O.P. (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) designation, a protected designation of origin status. This certification ensures that the tomatoes are grown in a specific geographic area following traditional methods, guaranteeing their authenticity and quality. Only tomatoes meeting these strict criteria can be labelled as true San Marzano tomatoes, preserving their reputation and distinct taste.
Still unsure? My recommendation goes to this Italian brand. These Mutti San Marzano are my favourite. However, if you can’t find them, these Mutti chopped tomatoes will do the trick, just cook them a bit longer.
Enjoy the Process!
Anyway, try whatever you fancy, fresh or canned, special selection or any other tomatoes. It will turn out great, I promise you! So, grab a glass of wine (Italian, of course), play Italian music and enjoy the process.
Happy Cooking! Dani x x
Tomato Sauce Ingredients
This recipe yields exactly two jars of 580ml each. If you do not use this sauce immediately, pack it into hot preserving jars and store them in your fridge for up to two weeks.
- 1.2kg fresh or three 400g cans of tomatoes.
- 4 tbsp olive oil (or rice bran oil)
- 8-10 cloves garlic, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- fresh chopped basil and dry oregano (added at the end)
Optional – add 2 tbsp of tomato paste (If you make this recipe especially for pizza, it will make the sauce thicker to prevent soggy pizza)
Equipment
Italian Tomato Sauce Recipe Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Pour in the tomatoes and cover with a lid.
Note! For fresh tomato version, I always blend the tomatoes in my food processor. If you use canned tomatoes, you can toss them directly into the pan; they will dissolve into small chunks while cooking. Or blend them or press them with potato masher to achieve a smoother consistency. It’s up to you.
Slice the garlic and add it to the simmering sauce. Add the salt and pepper. Stir well.
Hint! You can saute garlic in the oil first, but I prefer to toss it directly into the sauce. However, If you prefer to saute garlic first, do not add garlic to a hot pan; it’ll burn almost instantly. Add the oil and chopped or crushed garlic at the same time, then heat gently to sauté for 50-60 seconds. Sprinkle a bit of salt to enhance the garlic’s flavour.
Lower the heat to the lowest and let the sauce simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and deepens in flavour.
Remove from the heat and stir in dry oregano and the fresh chopped basil.
Tip: To get a sweeter taste, add one teaspoon of honey when the tomato sauce cools (don’t cook honey to keep enzymes alive).
Quick Tip! If you stock the sauce in jars, place them while they’re hot and cover with lids. Let them cool, then store them in the fridge. The sauce will keep fresh for about two weeks.
Nutrition – The Power of Lycopene:
Why Cooked Tomatoes Are Even Healthier?
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells from oxidative damage. What’s even better? Cooking tomatoes increases the bioavailability of lycopene, making it easier for your body to absorb!
This means your delicious homemade Italian tomato sauce isn’t just a treat for your taste buds—it’s a boost for your health, too. Lycopene has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease, improving skin health, and supporting eye health. So, this sauce is packed with goodness!
FAQs
Can’t find an answer? Get in touch →
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes! Plum or Roma tomatoes work beautifully. Just make sure to remove excess seeds for a thicker sauce.
How long will this pizza sauce last in the fridge?
It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. However, if you store it in jars and cool it naturally, the tomato sauce will last up to two weeks in the fridge.
Can I freeze the sauce?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-friendly container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Dried basil can be used—add ½ teaspoon during cooking so the flavour infuses into the sauce..
Can I make it oil-free?
Yes, you can omit oil entirely, though the flavour will be slightly lighter.
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Homemade Italian Tomato Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1200 g Mutti San Marzano canned tomatoes Fresh tomatoes/or 3x400g canned, or any tomatoes with thick flesh
- 4 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil or rice bran oil
- 8-10 cloves Garlic sliced/minced
- 1 tsp Salt sea or pink salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper grinded
- 1 handful Basil chopped
- 1 tsp Dry oregano dry
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Pour in the tomatoes and stir
- Add the sliced garlic, salt, peper and oregano.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and deepens in flavour.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil.
- Optional: To get a sweeter taste, add one teaspoon of honey when the tomato sauce cools (don't cook honey to keep enzymes alive).
Notes
Storage tips:
The sauce can be kept in the fridge up to 2 weeks in suitable jars and frozen in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Buon appetito!YourDani x x
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Thank you for stopping by! I’m Dani!
nutrition student | Healthy Live Promoter | Gluten-free recipe developer
Welcome to DeGlutenista Nutrition!
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