Heirloom Tomato Sauce
Heirloom Tomato Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful sauce that highlights the unique taste of heirloom tomatoes. This recipe turns these colourful, naturally sweet tomatoes into a rich, velvety sauce perfect for pasta, meats, or as a dip, capturing the essence of fresh, summer produce in every bite.
Equipment
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Immersion blender (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs 900g heirloom tomatoes, any colours and varieties
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves torn or chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano chopped
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, if tomatoes are too acidic
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or saucepan. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour the tomato paste into the saucepan and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add the chopped heirloom tomatoes to the skillet, stirring well to combine. If the tomatoes are particularly acidic, add the sugar at this stage to balance the flavors.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes will break down and the sauce will thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a small amount of water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, stir in the fresh basil, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before serving. This heirloom tomato sauce is perfect for pairing with pasta, spreading on pizza, or using it as a base for other dishes. Enjoy the rich, fresh flavors of the heirloom tomatoes!
Notes
Heirloom tomatoes are not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, making this sauce a healthy addition to your meals.