Making homemade tomato sauce is a simple and rewarding process that will elevate your pasta dishes to new heights. By following a few easy steps, you can create a flavorful and versatile sauce that is perfect for any Italian-inspired meal.

To start making homemade tomato sauce, gather your ingredients. You will need ripe tomatoes, garlic, onions, olive oil, salt, pepper, sugar (optional), and herbs such as basil or oregano. It is best to use fresh tomatoes, but canned tomatoes can also be used if fresh ones are not available.

First, prepare the tomatoes by blanching and peeling them. This can be done by scoring a small “x” on the bottom of each tomato, placing them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, and immersing them in cold water.

The skins should now easily peel off. Remove the core, cut the tomatoes into quarters, and remove any seeds or excess liquid.

Next, heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add minced garlic and onions. Sauté them until they become fragrant and translucent. Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes.

During the simmering process, the tomatoes will break down and release their juices, creating a thick and flavorful sauce. Keep an eye on the sauce and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a small amount of water.

After the sauce has simmered for the appropriate time, use an immersion blender or food processor to puree it until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip this step or only partially puree the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.