In this recipe for Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce, the roasted garlic gives a rich, savory taste that enhances any dish while bringing out the natural sweetness and richness of tomatoes.
This flexible sauce turns basic ingredients into something exceptional, whether it’s used as a basis for pizza, tossing it with pasta, or spooning it over grilled vegetables.
This recipe’s simplicity is what makes it so beautiful, a few herbs, fresh tomatoes, and garlic combine to make a flavorful sauce that will enhance your homemade meals.
How To Make Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce?
Preparation Times: 10 minutes
Cooking Times: 45 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Yields: Makes enough sauce for 4 servings
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Large skillet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Immersion blender (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 heads of garlic
- 6 large Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step-1. Roast the garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of each garlic head, exposing the cloves. Drizzle the garlic with a bit of olive oil and wrap each head in aluminum foil. Roast them in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden. Once done, allow the garlic to cool slightly, then squeeze out the roasted garlic from the cloves.
Step-2. Sauté the tomatoes
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped Roma tomatoes, stirring occasionally. Cook the tomatoes for 8-10 minutes until they break down and release their juices.
Step-3. Add roasted garlic and seasonings
Once the tomatoes are softened, mash the roasted garlic and add it to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir to blend all the flavors.
Step-4. Simmer and reduce
Lower the heat to a simmer and let the sauce cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step-5. Final touches
Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt if needed. For a more rustic texture, you can leave the sauce as is, or if you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it using an immersion blender until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step-6. Garnish and serve
Remove the sauce from the heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. This sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, grilled vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts Of Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 4g
Serving Suggestions
Over pasta
This sauce pairs perfectly with any type of pasta, from spaghetti to penne. Toss the freshly made sauce with your pasta of choice, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for an extra layer of flavor.
Pizza sauce
Use this roasted garlic tomato sauce as a pizza base. Spread it generously over pizza dough, top with your favorite cheese, meats, and veggies, then bake to perfection.
Dipping sauce
Serve this sauce as a dip alongside garlic bread, mozzarella sticks, or vegetable sticks. It’s the perfect way to add bold flavor to any appetizer spread.
Grilled or roasted meats
Spoon this sauce over grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables. It adds a tangy and savory contrast to meats, making it a great alternative to heavier gravies or sauces.
Tips and Variations
Add vegetables: Sometimes, I’ll add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
Make it creamy: For a creamy twist, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter during the simmering process.
Spice it up: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes if you like your sauce with more heat.
Herb swap: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be used in place of dried oregano and basil for a different flavor profile.
Special Note
Always use high-quality olive oil and fresh Roma tomatoes, especially during tomato season. If tomatoes aren’t in peak season, canned tomatoes work just as well. Also, roasting the garlic brings out its natural sweetness, so don’t skip this step.
FAQS
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before storing it.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, if fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, use a 28-ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes. You’ll still get great flavor.
How can I make the sauce smoother?
If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to blend the sauce to your desired texture.
Conclusion
Roasted garlic tomato sauce is a versatile flavor-packed recipe, that’s perfect for so many meals.
The deep sweetness of roasted garlic paired with the natural tang of tomatoes creates a balance that’s hard to beat.
Whether you’re making it for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Large skillet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Immersion blender (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 heads of garlic
- 6 large Roma tomatoes chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of each garlic head, exposing the cloves. Drizzle the garlic with a bit of olive oil and wrap each head in aluminum foil. Roast them in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden. Once done, allow the garlic to cool slightly, then squeeze out the roasted garlic from the cloves.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped Roma tomatoes, stirring occasionally. Cook the tomatoes for 8-10 minutes until they break down and release their juices.
- Once the tomatoes are softened, mash the roasted garlic and add it to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir to blend all the flavors.
- Lower the heat to a simmer and let the sauce cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt if needed. For a more rustic texture, you can leave the sauce as is, or if you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it using an immersion blender until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. This sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, grilled vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.
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.