Tomato Frito Recipe Easy and Delicious Homemade Sauce

Tomato frito is a vibrant and flavorful Spanish tomato sauce that serves as the base for many traditional dishes. Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes and infused with garlic, onion, and olive oil, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich and comforting sauce.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your paella, accompany grilled vegetables, or simply enjoy it with crusty bread, tomato frito is incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. Its deep, slow-cooked flavor makes it a kitchen staple for anyone passionate about Mediterranean cooking.

In this post, I’ll guide you through a foolproof tomato frito recipe that you can whip up in under an hour. We’ll also explore why this sauce is a must-have, share tips to customize it, and suggest some delicious serving ideas.

Get ready to bring a touch of Spain to your table with this delightful homemade tomato frito!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tomato frito is more than just a sauce—it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. The slow simmering of tomatoes with garlic, onions, and olive oil creates a sauce that is both sweet and savory, with a velvety texture and a rich aroma that fills your kitchen.

This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring only a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. It’s also naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.

Plus, tomato frito is a fantastic base for countless dishes. Use it as a pizza sauce, a topping for grilled vegetables, a mix-in for rice or pasta, or even as a dipping sauce.

Its versatility and vibrant flavor profile make it a go-to sauce that will elevate your meals in minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ripe tomatoes (Roma or plum tomatoes work best)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for a smoky depth)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large sauté pan or skillet
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Blender or immersion blender (optional for smoother sauce)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Peeler (optional for peeling tomatoes)

Instructions

1. Prepare the tomatoes. Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly. To peel them easily, score a small “X” on the bottom of each tomato. Blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. The skins will loosen and peel off effortlessly. Chop the peeled tomatoes roughly and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics. Heat the olive oil in your sauté pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the oil with a beautiful aroma that will deepen the sauce’s flavor.
4. Cook the tomatoes. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook over medium-low heat, allowing the mixture to simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Season the sauce. Add salt, pepper, sugar (if using), and smoked paprika. The sugar helps balance the tomato acidity, while smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky note. Adjust seasoning to your taste as the sauce simmers.
6. Simmer and reduce. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes will break down, and the sauce will thicken to a luscious consistency. If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it using an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender carefully.
7. Final adjustments. Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. If you want a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
8. Garnish and serve. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot or warm.

Tips & Variations

“Using fresh, ripe tomatoes makes all the difference in the flavor and color of your tomato frito. If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, you can substitute with good-quality canned whole tomatoes.”

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili in step 3 for a spicy twist.
• Chunky or smooth: Blend the sauce for a smooth texture or leave it chunky as a rustic-style sauce.
• Add vegetables: Finely diced bell peppers or carrots can be sautéed with onions for extra sweetness and nutrition.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary for unique flavor profiles.
• Make ahead: Tomato frito stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Tomato frito is a delightful base or accompaniment for numerous dishes. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:

• Use it as a sauce for Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide to add a Mediterranean twist.
• Top grilled or roasted vegetables with tomato frito to enhance their natural flavors.
• Stir into pasta or rice dishes as a quick and tasty sauce.
• Spread it on crusty bread or toast as a simple, flavorful snack or appetizer.
• Mix it with legumes and spices to create rich, hearty stews or casseroles like those found in 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals.

Conclusion

Making your own tomato frito is an excellent way to capture the essence of Spanish cooking while adding a burst of flavor to your everyday meals. This sauce is simple, wholesome, and endlessly adaptable, making it a kitchen essential for both novice and experienced cooks alike.

With just a few fresh ingredients and a little patience, you can create a rich, deeply flavorful tomato sauce that elevates everything it touches. Whether you use it as a base for other recipes or enjoy it on its own, tomato frito brings warmth and comfort to your plate.

For more delicious and easy plant-based recipes, be sure to check out Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals and Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas to keep your menu exciting and nutritious.

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