Roma Tomato Pasta Sauce
Roma Tomato Pasta Sauce is a flavorful and rich sauce made from fresh Roma tomatoes, known for their dense texture and lower water content, which makes them perfect for sauces. This sauce typically includes ingredients like garlic, olive oil, onions, basil, and oregano, creating a savory and aromatic base for pasta dishes. It’s easy to make, ideal for enhancing the taste of various pasta recipes, and can be customized with additional herbs or spices for extra depth of flavor. Perfect for a classic Italian pasta dish!
Equipment
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Knife and cutting board
- Grater (for the carrot)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle (optional)
Ingredients
- 10-12 ripe Roma tomatoes about 2 pounds, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium carrot grated (secret sweetness boost)
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste for richness
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup water as needed to adjust consistency
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving optional
Instructions
- Peel, seed, and dice your Roma tomatoes until they’re ready to shine.
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add grated carrot for a natural sweetness boost.
- Stir in tomato paste, red pepper flakes (if using), oregano, and sugar to balance acidity. Let it mingle for 1–2 minutes.
- Add diced Roma tomatoes and a splash of water if needed. Simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Just before turning off the heat, mix in fresh basil and adjust salt to taste.
- Toss with your favorite pasta, garnish with parsley, and sprinkle Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
If the sauce is too thick for your liking, thin it out with some pasta water or vegetable stock. Conversely, if it's too watery, let it simmer uncovered for longer to evaporate excess liquid.