Welcome to the delightful world of Balsamic Tomato Sauce, where every stir and simmer unlocks a new layer of flavour.
This sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, bursting with the freshness of ripe tomatoes and the depth of aged balsamic vinegar.
Whether you’re looking to elevate your pasta, enhance your pizza, or simply add a gourmet touch to your favourite dishes, this versatile sauce is a culinary game-changer.
Join me as I explore the steps to create this exquisite sauce that brings the heart of Italy to your kitchen, one spoonful at a time.
How To Make Balsamic Tomato Sauce?
Preparation Times: 10 minutes
Cooking times: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Yields: Makes about 4 cups of sauce
Equipment Needed
- Large saucepan or skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 large ripe tomatoes, chopped (or two 14.5-ounce cans of diced tomatoes, drained)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions
Step-1. Heat the olive oil
Start by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Step-2. Sauté the onion
Next, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.
Step-3. Add garlic
Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step-4. Incorporate tomatoes
Add the chopped tomatoes (or drained canned tomatoes) to the pan and mix well.
Step-5. Add balsamic vinegar and tomato paste
Pour in the balsamic vinegar and add the tomato paste. Stir to combine everything.
Step-6. Season the sauce
Sprinkle in the dried basil, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
Step-7. Simmer
Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Step-8. Adjust seasoning
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Your balsamic tomato sauce is now ready to serve!
Nutrition Facts Of Balsamic Tomato Sauce
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 75 |
| Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 6g |
Serving Suggestions
Pasta: This balsamic tomato sauce pairs wonderfully with any pasta. Simply toss cooked pasta with the sauce and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Pizza: Spread the sauce on a pizza crust before adding your favourite toppings and baking.
Dipping Sauce: Use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks.
Tips and Variations
Fresh Herbs: For a fresher taste, use fresh basil instead of dried basil.
Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes if you like your sauce spicier.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese for a creamy variation.
Special Note
I recommend using ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavour. However, canned tomatoes are a great alternative if fresh ones are not available.
FAQS
Can I Freeze Balsamic Tomato Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to three months.
Can I Use Cherry Tomatoes?
Yes, Cherry tomatoes will add a sweeter flavour to the sauce.
How Long Does the Sauce Last in the Fridge?
The sauce will keep in the fridge for up to one week in an airtight container.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and savouring this delicious balsamic tomato sauce as much as I do. It’s a versatile and flavorful addition to many dishes. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations and make this recipe your own.
Balsamic Tomato Sauce
Equipment
- Large saucepan or skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 6 large ripe tomatoes chopped (or two 14.5-ounce cans of diced tomatoes, drained)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Next, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.
- Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes (or drained canned tomatoes) to the pan and mix well.
- Pour in the balsamic vinegar and add the tomato paste. Stir to combine everything.
- Sprinkle in the dried basil, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
- Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Your balsamic tomato sauce is now ready to serve!
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.