Perfect Homemade Roasted Tomato Sauce

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Perfect Homemade Roasted Tomato Sauce

Transform fresh tomatoes into a rich, flavorful sauce with minimal mess and effort. This roasted tomato sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or any recipe requiring a thick, robust tomato base.

Ingredients

For a batch that yields approximately 4-5 cups of sauce (adjust based on your needs):

  • 5-6 pounds fresh tomatoes (Roma or plum work best for their low water content, but any variety will do)
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for balance and preservation)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
  • Optional spices and herbs:
    • 1 tablespoon dried basil
    • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 roasted garlic cloves
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)

Tools Needed

  • Baking sheets (lined with parchment or greased)
  • Blender or food processor
  • Large roasting pan, crockpot, or stovetop pot
  • Sieve or food mill (optional for extra smooth sauce)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes

  1. Wash: Rinse the tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water to remove dirt or debris.
  2. Core and Quarter: Remove the top core of each tomato. Cut them into quarters (or halves for smaller varieties like cherry tomatoes).
  3. Remove Excess Seeds (Optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce, gently scoop out excess seeds using a small spoon.

Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes

  1. Arrange on Baking Sheets: Lay the tomatoes on the prepared baking sheets, skin side up. Make sure they are not overlapping to allow even roasting.
  2. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly coat the tomatoes with olive oil to enhance caramelization.
  3. Roast: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast the tomatoes for 30–45 minutes, or until:
    • The skins are blistered and peeling.
    • The tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized around the edges.
  4. Cool: Allow the tomatoes to cool slightly before handling.

Step 3: Blend the Roasted Tomatoes

  1. Transfer to Blender or Food Processor: Working in batches, add the roasted tomatoes to your blender.
  2. Blend Smooth: Blend the tomatoes, skins, and seeds into a puree. For a chunkier sauce, use the pulse function.
  3. Optional Smoothing: For an extra-smooth sauce, pass the puree through a fine mesh sieve or food mill to remove skins and seeds.

Step 4: Cook and Season the Sauce

  1. Choose Your Cooking Method:
    • Roasting Pan: For hands-off thickening, pour the puree into a roasting pan and bake at 350°F until the desired consistency is reached.
    • Crockpot: Simmer on low for 4–6 hours, stirring occasionally.
    • Stovetop: Simmer in a large pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  2. Season the Sauce: Add lemon juice, salt, and your choice of spices and herbs. Adjust to taste as the sauce cooks down.
    • For a pizza sauce, make it extra savory with garlic and oregano.
    • For a sweeter pasta sauce, add a pinch of sugar or balsamic vinegar.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

  1. For Pizza Sauce: Cook down until it’s thick and spreadable (this may take 2–4 hours depending on the method).
  2. For Pasta Sauce: Aim for a smooth, pourable consistency, stopping earlier in the cooking process.

Storage and Preservation

  1. Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  2. Freezing: Pour into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of room for expansion. Freeze for up to 6 months.
  3. Canning: Use the Ball Book’s tested pizza sauce recipe if canning for long-term storage. Always follow safe canning guidelines.

Pro Tips for the Best Tomato Sauce

  1. Tomato Variety: Roma or plum tomatoes are ideal, but mixing in heirlooms or cherry tomatoes can add layers of flavor.
  2. Roast Garlic with the Tomatoes: Toss a few garlic cloves on the baking sheet to add deep roasted garlic flavor.
  3. Caramelization Enhancer: Sprinkle a little sugar over the tomatoes before roasting to intensify sweetness.
  4. Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh basil or parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness.

Serving Ideas

  • Pizza: Spread the thickened sauce over your favorite crust.
  • Pasta: Toss with spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of choice.
  • Dipping Sauce: Serve with breadsticks or mozzarella sticks.

This method is a game-changer for using fresh tomatoes, and the depth of flavor from roasting will have everyone thinking you spent hours in the kitchen. Enjoy your homemade tomato sauce journey! 🍅

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