There’s something incredibly comforting about a rich, homemade tomato sauce. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, dolloping it onto a veggie pizza, or using it as a base for other dishes, a classic tomato sauce is a kitchen essential every vegetarian should master.
This basic vegetarian tomato sauce recipe is straightforward, using fresh ingredients that come together to create a beautifully balanced, flavorful sauce. Perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices.
Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it friendly for a wide range of dietary needs.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the ingredients, equipment, and step-by-step instructions to make the perfect tomato sauce from scratch. I’ll also share some handy tips, variations, and serving ideas to help you get creative in the kitchen.
Ready to elevate your meals with a delicious homemade sauce? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This tomato sauce recipe is a timeless classic that brings fresh, vibrant flavors to your dishes. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s free from preservatives and artificial additives found in many store-bought sauces.
The slow simmering process allows the tomatoes to develop a naturally sweet and tangy depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal prep time, yet the results taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this sauce is a reliable go-to.
Plus, it’s completely vegetarian and vegan-friendly, fitting perfectly into plant-based lifestyles.
Looking to explore more vegetarian delights? Check out these recipes for inspiration: Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals, Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious, and Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Extra virgin preferred |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium, finely chopped | |
| Garlic cloves | 3, minced | |
| Crushed tomatoes | 28 oz (1 can) | Whole peeled tomatoes crushed by hand or use canned crushed |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | Enhances richness |
| Fresh basil leaves | 6-8 leaves, chopped | Or 1 teaspoon dried basil |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | To taste (about 1 teaspoon) | |
| Black pepper | To taste (about ½ teaspoon) | Freshly ground preferred |
| Granulated sugar | 1 teaspoon | Balances acidity, optional |
| Water or vegetable broth | ½ cup | Adjust consistency as needed |
Equipment
- Large sauté pan or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener (if using canned tomatoes)
- Blender or immersion blender (optional for smooth sauce)
- Heatproof bowl or container for storage
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. If using whole canned tomatoes, crush them by hand or with a spoon to break them up.
- Heat olive oil. Place your sauté pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow it to warm until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sauté onions until translucent. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent but not browned.
- Add the minced garlic. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Incorporate tomato paste. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, cooking for 2-3 minutes to caramelize slightly and deepen the sauce’s flavor.
- Add crushed tomatoes and liquid. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and half a cup of water or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Season the sauce. Add the chopped fresh basil (or dried), oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Mix thoroughly and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer gently. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 25-35 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
- Adjust consistency and flavor. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pan or transfer to a blender in batches.
- Serve or store. Use the sauce immediately with your favorite pasta or let it cool before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips & Variations
Tip: Letting the sauce simmer low and slow is key to developing rich flavors. Patience here pays off!
Feel free to experiment with this basic tomato sauce by adding different herbs and spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a delightful heat, while some chopped fresh parsley or thyme can bring a fresh herbal note.
For a smoky twist, try stirring in a small amount of smoked paprika.
If you prefer a chunkier sauce, leave the tomatoes less crushed and avoid blending. Conversely, a silky smooth sauce is perfect for dishes like lasagna or as a base for creamy sauces like this Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
To add more depth, sauté diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions. You can also toss in grated carrots or zucchini to sneak in extra veggies.
If you like, stir in a splash of red wine during simmering for an extra layer of richness.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per ½ cup serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
This versatile tomato sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Toss it with your favorite pasta for a quick, comforting meal.
Try it with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb alternative. It also works beautifully as a base for Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners when combined with plant-based cream sauces.
Use it as a topping for homemade vegetarian pizzas or as a dipping sauce for garlic bread. You can even spoon it over roasted vegetables or stuffed peppers for extra flavor.
If you enjoy slow cooker meals, this sauce can be incorporated into your favorite recipes — check out Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for inspiration.
Conclusion
Mastering this basic vegetarian tomato sauce opens the door to countless delicious meals. It’s a simple recipe that emphasizes fresh ingredients and straightforward techniques, resulting in a rich, flavorful sauce that enhances any dish.
Its versatility means you can customize it to your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this tomato sauce brings warmth and comfort to the table. Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs, spices, and additional vegetables to make it truly your own.
And if you’re looking to expand your vegetarian cooking adventures, be sure to explore the variety of recipes linked throughout this post. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Basic Vegetarian Tomato Sauce
Description: A simple and flavorful tomato sauce perfect for pasta or as a base for other dishes. Made with fresh ingredients and easy to prepare.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and water, stirring to combine.
- Add dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Bring sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in fresh basil leaves if using, and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and serve over pasta or use as desired.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 14 g
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