Best 2 All Purpose Tomato Sauce Recipes

With its tangy, savory, and versatile flavor, all-purpose tomato sauce is a culinary staple that can transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary meals. Whether you're simmering it low and slow for a rich and robust flavor or whipping up a quick and easy weeknight dinner, the perfect all-purpose tomato sauce adds depth and complexity to a wide range of recipes. From classic Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs to hearty stews and casseroles, this versatile sauce has a place in every kitchen.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

ALL-PURPOSE TOMATO SAUCE

All-Purpose Tomato Sauce image

For this six-ingredient sauce, puréed tomatoes are simmered with sweet onion, zippy red pepper flakes, and plenty of garlic. A nub of butter stirred in at the end gives the sauce a silky texture that's perfect for spooning over a wide range of Italian favorites.

Provided by Greg Lofts

Categories Food & Cooking Healthy Recipes Vegetarian Recipes

Time 50m

Yield Makes 6 cups

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup minced sweet onion, such as Vidalia
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon minced garlic (from 2 to 3 cloves)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cans (each 28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes in juice, puréed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Steps:

Heat oil in a pot over medium-high. When it shimmers, add onion; season with 1 tablespoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden in places, 8 to 10 minutes (if onion colors too quickly, reduce heat to medium). Stir in garlic and red-pepper flakes; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add puréed tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened slightly and reduced to 6 cups, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted and sauce is uniform in color. If not using it immediately, let the sauce cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to five days, or freeze for up to three months.

ALL PURPOSE SUN-DRIED TOMATO SAUCE

All Purpose Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce image

This is an adopted recipe. I am always on the lookout for freezer recipes so that's why I chose to add this one to my collection. Orignal introduction; "I discovered this recipe in a German home and living magazine as a pizza sauce. But I did have some leftover and soon discovered that you can easily use it as a basic pasta sauce or even as tomato soup adding a bit of cream. It freezes well, so feel free to multiply the ingredients. I usually pack a couple of jars when we go on vacation, so I don't have to fuss too much about dinner. These are the original ingredients, but I usually add more garlic and sun-dried tomatoes if they are easily available. In summer I add fresh basil."

Provided by Pamela

Categories Sauces

Time 1h

Yield 250 ml

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

100 g onions, chopped
1 garlic clove, sliced
1/2 red chile, cut in rings
40 g sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
300 g tomatoes, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/8 liter vegetable broth
salt, to taste
pepper

Steps:

Sauté onions, garlic, chili and sun-dried tomatoes.
Add tomato paste and sugar and let sauté about 2 minutes.
Add tomatoes and broth, salt and cook for 45 minute in open saucepan, stirring occasionally.
blend and strain.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1.9, Fat 0.1, Sodium 3.9, Carbohydrate 0.2, Sugar 0.1

Tips:

Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes: Ripened tomatoes naturally contain more sugar and less acid, resulting in a sweeter, more balanced sauce.
Roast your tomatoes: Roasting tomatoes intensifies their flavor, caramelizes their natural sugars, and enhances their umami.
Cook your sauce low and slow: Simmering your sauce for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
Add aromatics to build flavor: Garlic, onion, and basil are classic aromatics that add depth and complexity to tomato sauce.
Season to taste: Salt, pepper, and oregano are essential seasonings for tomato sauce. Adjust the amounts to your preference.
Use a variety of tomatoes: Different types of tomatoes offer unique flavor profiles. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite blend.
Freeze your sauce for later use: Tomato sauce freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Conclusion:

Mastering the art of making a delicious all-purpose tomato sauce opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Whether you're using it as a base for pasta, pizza, or stews, a well-crafted tomato sauce can elevate any dish. With a few simple ingredients, a little patience, and attention to detail, you can create a versatile and flavorful sauce that will become a staple in your kitchen. So, put on your apron, fire up the stove, and start experimenting with different recipes and techniques. Your taste buds will thank you!