Description
This Garden Fresh Roasted Tomato Sauce is a rich and flavorful sauce made from ripe Roma tomatoes roasted with garlic, fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and high-heat oil. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes, this sauce is easy to prepare and offers deep, concentrated flavors that you’ll want to stock up on.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomatoes
- 2 pounds ripe paste tomatoes (ideally Roma for thickness)
Additional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup high heat oil (e.g., Avocado Oil)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 5-6 cloves garlic (peeled and whole)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (torn if large)
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (or kosher salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes and other ingredients.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Wash the ripe tomatoes thoroughly. Cut larger tomatoes into halves or quarters to ensure even roasting and softness.
- Arrange Ingredients: Place the prepared tomatoes on a rimmed baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out evenly. Add the peeled garlic cloves and torn basil leaves, distributing them among the tomatoes.
- Add Seasonings: Drizzle the high heat oil and balsamic vinegar evenly over the tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Sprinkle the coarse sea salt and freshly ground pepper on top to season.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the tomatoes are soft, caramelized, and slightly charred on the edges for depth of flavor.
- Cool Down: Remove the roasted ingredients from the oven and allow them to cool for 15-20 minutes. This step helps in safer handling and improves blending texture.
- Blend: Transfer the roasted mixture into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adjusting salt and pepper to taste to achieve your desired seasoning level.
Notes
- Use Roma or other paste tomatoes for a thicker, less watery sauce.
- The balsamic vinegar adds a subtle sweetness and acidity; red wine vinegar can be used as a substitute.
- Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth to the sauce.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for spiciness and aroma.
