This easy garden tomato sauce is a delightful and simple recipe that brings out the natural sweetness of grape tomatoes. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a versatile sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. The aromatic blend of garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs will have your kitchen smelling heavenly in no time.
Photos of Easy Garden Tomato Sauce Recipe
While most of these ingredients are common, fresh oregano or basil might not always be on hand. Ensure you pick up these fresh herbs from the supermarket, as they bring essential flavors to the sauce. Red pepper flakes might also be something to add to your shopping list if you don't typically keep them stocked.
Ingredients For Easy Garden Tomato Sauce
Olive oil: A staple in many kitchens, it adds a rich, smooth base to the sauce.
Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
Grape tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes are the star of the sauce and lend a fresh, juicy taste.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Fresh black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
Oregano or Basil: Fresh herbs that infuse the sauce with a fragrant, herbal note.
Red pepper flakes: Introduce a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
One reader, Konstance Paulsen says:
This easy garden tomato sauce recipe is a game-changer! The fresh tomatoes and herbs create a vibrant, flavorful sauce that's perfect for pasta or pizza. Simple to make and absolutely delicious.
Techniques Required for Making Easy Garden Tomato Sauce
How to heat oil: Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan on high heat until it is hot but not smoking. How to cook garlic: Add the garlic to the hot oil and cook until it turns golden brown, being careful not to burn it. How to simmer: After adding the tomatoes, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it cook gently for 15 minutes. How to add fresh herbs: Add the fresh oregano or basil to the sauce and continue cooking for another 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
How To Make Easy Garden Tomato Sauce
Drizzle olive oil in tomatoes and mix with herbs for an earthy, minty, and fresh-tasting sauce that is fit for chicken or beef dishes and even pasta.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- 6clovesgarlic,chopped
- 1½lbsgrape tomatoes,cut in half
- salt and fresh pepper
- 2tbspfresh oregano or fresh basil,chopped
- ⅛tspred pepper flakes,crushed
Instructions
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In a large non-stick pan, heat oil on high heat.
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Add garlic and cook until golden.
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Add tomatoes, salt, crushed red pepper flakes and fresh black pepper and reduce heat to low.
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Simmer, covered for 15 minutes.
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Add fresh oregano and cook another 15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 55.11kcal
- Fat: 3.01g
- Saturated Fat: 0.42g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.02g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.42g
- Carbohydrates: 6.80g
- Fiber: 1.84g
- Sugar: 3.63g
- Protein: 1.51g
- Sodium: 334.61mg
- Calcium: 24.14mg
- Potassium: 346.24mg
- Iron: 0.52mg
- Vitamin A: 60.32µg
- Vitamin C: 19.96mg
Technique Tip for Making the Best Garden Tomato Sauce
When cooking the garlic until golden, be sure to keep a close eye on it as it can quickly go from golden to burnt. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your sauce, so stir frequently and adjust the heat if necessary to ensure it cooks evenly.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using pre-minced garlic instead of peeling and chopping fresh cloves.
Pre-wash tomatoes: Wash and dry the grape tomatoes ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Chop herbs in advance: Chop the fresh oregano or fresh basil beforehand and store them in an airtight container.
Use a food processor: Quickly blend the tomatoes if you prefer a smoother sauce, reducing the need for long simmering.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Pre-measure spices: Measure out the salt and red pepper flakes before starting to cook.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Garden Tomato Sauce Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a similar smoke point, making it a good alternative for cooking.
olive oil - Substitute with butter: Butter can add a rich flavor to the sauce, though it will change the overall taste slightly.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the tomatoes well.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though it lacks the fresh, pungent flavor of fresh garlic.
grape tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes have a similar sweetness and juiciness, making them an excellent substitute.
grape tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used if fresh tomatoes are not available, though they may alter the texture slightly.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a different taste profile.
fresh pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.
fresh oregano - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano can be used, though it is more concentrated, so use about one-third of the amount.
fresh basil - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used as a substitute, but it is more potent, so use about one-third of the amount.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can provide a similar heat level, though it is more intense, so use sparingly.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can add a mild heat and a smoky flavor, though it is less spicy than red pepper flakes.
Best Way to Present This Easy Tomato Sauce
Select the finest ingredients: Ensure you use the freshest grape tomatoes, garlic, and fresh oregano or fresh basil. Quality ingredients are the foundation of a Michelin-star dish.
Prepare the sauce with precision: Heat olive oil on high heat in a large non-stick pan. Add finely chopped garlic and cook until golden. Add grape tomatoes, a pinch of salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Add fresh oregano and cook for another 15 minutes.
Create a vibrant color palette: The sauce should have a rich, deep red color from the grape tomatoes. Ensure the fresh oregano or fresh basil is vibrant green to add a pop of color.
Plate with elegance: Use a pristine white plate to contrast the vibrant red sauce. Spoon a small, artful portion of the sauce onto the center of the plate.
Garnish thoughtfully: Add a sprig of fresh oregano or fresh basil on top of the sauce for a touch of elegance and freshness. A light drizzle of olive oil around the edge of the sauce can add a glossy finish.
Serve with complementary elements: Pair the sauce with a perfectly cooked piece of pasta or a slice of artisan bread. Ensure the accompaniments are arranged neatly and do not overshadow the sauce.
Focus on aroma: Allow the dish to rest for a moment before serving to let the aromas of garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs meld together. This will enhance the sensory experience for the diners.
Present with confidence: Serve the dish with a brief explanation of the fresh, garden-inspired flavors and the simplicity of the preparation, highlighting the quality of the ingredients and the care taken in the cooking process.
Essential Tools for Making Garden Tomato Sauce
Non-stick pan: A large non-stick pan is essential for cooking the sauce evenly without sticking, ensuring easy cleanup.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the garlic and tomatoes without scratching the non-stick surface.
Chef's knife: A sharp chef's knife is necessary for finely chopping the garlic and fresh herbs.
Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping the garlic and herbs.
Measuring spoons: Accurate measuring spoons are needed to measure the olive oil, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Lid: A lid for the pan is required to cover and simmer the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Garlic press: A garlic press can be used to quickly and efficiently crush the garlic cloves.
Spatula: A spatula can be helpful for scraping down the sides of the pan and ensuring all ingredients are well mixed.
How To Store and Freeze Homemade Tomato Sauce
- Allow the tomato sauce to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To freeze the sauce:
- Portion the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving about 1 inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and amount of sauce.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer for easier storage and quicker thawing.
- Frozen tomato sauce can be stored for up to 6 months.
- To thaw frozen sauce:
- Remove the desired amount of sauce from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw gradually.
- For a quicker thaw, place the container or bag of frozen sauce in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until the sauce is thawed.
- Reheat the thawed sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the thawed sauce appears watery, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken the consistency.
- Taste the reheated sauce and adjust the seasonings, such as salt, pepper, or herbs, as needed before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Tomato Sauce
Reheat the tomato sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the sauce is evenly warmed throughout, preserving its flavor and texture.
For a quicker option, transfer the leftover sauce to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the sauce is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the sauce, as it may cause it to splatter or become too hot to handle.
If you have a small amount of leftover sauce, consider reheating it in a double boiler. Place the sauce in a heat-proof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water. Stir the sauce occasionally until it is heated through. This gentle heating method helps maintain the sauce's consistency and prevents it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
For a flavorful twist, reheat the tomato sauce in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or a knob of butter. Sauté some minced garlic or diced onion in the pan before adding the sauce, and let it simmer until heated through. This method adds depth to the sauce and can help revive any flavors that may have diminished during storage.
If you plan on using the reheated sauce as a topping for pizza or bruschetta, consider warming it in the oven. Spread the sauce over your prepared dish and place it in a preheated oven until the sauce is bubbly and the dish is heated through. This method ensures that the sauce is hot and ready to serve alongside your favorite Italian-inspired creations.
Random Fact About Easy Garden Tomato Sauce
A random fact about this recipe is that using grape tomatoes can give the sauce a naturally sweet flavor, as they tend to be sweeter and less acidic than larger tomato varieties.
Is Making Tomato Sauce at Home Economical?
This easy garden tomato sauce recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With basic ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and grape tomatoes, it leverages fresh, simple components that are often already in the pantry or garden. Fresh oregano or basil adds a burst of flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8-$10. Overall verdict: 8/10.
Is This Garden Tomato Sauce Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This easy garden tomato sauce recipe is relatively healthy, as it primarily consists of fresh, whole ingredients. The use of olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, while garlic and tomatoes offer various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The recipe also includes fresh herbs, which add flavor and potential health benefits. However, the recipe lacks additional vegetables, which could further enhance its nutritional value.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Incorporate more vegetables such as diced onions, bell peppers, or carrots to increase the fiber content and provide a wider range of vitamins and minerals
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of salt to reduce the overall sodium content while still maintaining flavor
- Add lean protein sources like ground turkey or tofu to make the sauce more filling and balanced
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as basil, thyme, or Italian seasoning, to enhance the flavor profile without relying on excessive salt or fat
- Serve the sauce over whole-grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash for a more nutrient-dense and fiber-rich meal
Editor's Thoughts on This Easy Garden Tomato Sauce Recipe
This garden tomato sauce recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and fresh flavors. The use of grape tomatoes ensures a naturally sweet and tangy base, while the garlic adds depth. The fresh oregano or basil infuses the sauce with aromatic herbaceous notes. The red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes. Cooking the sauce on low heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully. However, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar to enhance the tomato's natural sweetness further. Overall, it's a versatile and vibrant sauce perfect for pasta or as a base for other dishes.
Enhance Your Easy Garden Tomato Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Tomato Sauce
Why trust this Easy Garden Tomato Sauce Recipe:
This recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks. The use of fresh grape tomatoes ensures a vibrant, natural sweetness, while garlic and fresh oregano add depth and aroma. The olive oil provides a rich, smooth base, and the red pepper flakes give it a subtle kick. Trust this recipe for a garden-fresh sauce that brings out the best in your ingredients.
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