Balsamic vinegar in tomato sauce is one of those magical recipes that can transform a simple dish into something extraordinary.
I love making this sauce because it’s so versatile—it can be a rich pasta topping, a flavorful addition to grilled chicken, or even a dip for warm, crusty bread.
The balance of tangy balsamic vinegar with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes creates a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and gourmet.
What’s even better is how easy it is to prepare with just a handful of fresh ingredients. Whether you’re looking to elevate a weeknight dinner or impress at a dinner party, this sauce will be your secret weapon.
How To Make Balsamic Vinegar In Tomato Sauce?
Preparation Times: 10 minutes
Cooking Times: 25 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Yields: 4 servings
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil leaves for garnish)
- Salt to taste
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
Instructions
Step-1. Heat the olive oil
Warm the olive oil over medium heat in a medium-sized saucepan.
Step-2. Sauté the onions
Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and translucent.
Step-3. Add the garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
Step-4. Cook the tomatoes
Add the chopped ripe tomatoes (or the can of crushed tomatoes) to the pan. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices.
Step-5. Mix in the balsamic vinegar and tomato paste
Add the balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, and sugar (if using) to balance the acidity. Stir well to incorporate the flavors.
Step-6. Season with herbs and spices
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
Step-7. Adjust seasoning
Taste the sauce and add salt or sugar if needed.
Step-8. Finish and serve
Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, remove it from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if you have them.
Nutrition Facts Of Balsamic Vinegar In Tomato Sauce
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 7g |
Serving Suggestions
Over pasta
This Balsamic vinegar in tomato sauce pairs beautifully with pasta. Try it with spaghetti, penne, or your favorite shape. Top it with parmesan for a cheesy twist.
As a pizza sauce
Spread this sauce on a pizza base before adding your favorite toppings. The balsamic tang adds depth to the overall flavor.
Dipping sauce
Serve this sauce as a dip with garlic bread or mozzarella sticks for a tasty appetizer.
Tips and Variations
Add fresh herbs
For a more aromatic sauce, feel free to add fresh oregano, basil, or thyme in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Fresh herbs will elevate the flavors.
Make it chunky or smooth
If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a hand blender to puree it before serving. For a chunky version, keep the tomatoes as they are and mash them slightly with a spoon.
Spice it up
If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a chopped fresh chili for extra spice.
Special Note
If you want an extra depth of flavor, you can reduce the balsamic vinegar separately by simmering it until it thickens slightly before adding it to the sauce. This will intensify its sweetness and give the sauce a richer finish.
FAQS
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes with a can of crushed tomatoes if you’re short on time or if tomatoes are out of season.
How long can I store the sauce?
Store the balsamic vinegar in tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop more over time. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I omit the sugar?
Yes, the sugar is optional. It helps balance the acidity, but if you prefer not to use it, you can omit it.
Conclusion
This Balsamic vinegar in tomato sauce strikes a balance between sweet, tangy, and savory, making it a versatile staple in my kitchen. Whether you’re making a pasta dish or looking for a tasty pizza base, this sauce adds depth and richness to any meal.
Balsamic Vinegar In Tomato Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 4 large ripe tomatoes chopped (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Salt to taste
- A pinch of red pepper flakes optional for a little heat
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil over medium heat in a medium-sized saucepan.
- Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the chopped ripe tomatoes (or the can of crushed tomatoes) to the pan. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices.
- Add the balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, and sugar (if using) to balance the acidity. Stir well to incorporate the flavors.
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Taste the sauce and add salt or sugar if needed.
- Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, remove it from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if you have them.
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.