Roasted tomato sauce is a favorite in my kitchen—sweet tomatoes and garlic roasting to perfection, filling the air with cozy Mediterranean aromas. Simple, bold, and always comforting.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 20 Minutes.
Cook Time: 1 hour
How Many Servings?
6 Servings
Roasted tomato sauce is a staple in my kitchen—probably the one thing I make more than anything else. In Mediterranean cooking, tomatoes are everything. They bring warmth, richness, and comfort to nearly every dish. I grew up watching my mom turn fresh tomatoes into the most flavorful sauces, and now I do the same, with a twist.
I roast my tomatoes with garlic to deepen the flavor and add a touch of sweetness. It’s simple, bold, and incredibly versatile. I always keep a jar in the freezer for last-minute pasta dinners, baked eggs, or spooning over grilled vegetables. This sauce brings the heart of the Mediterranean straight into your kitchen.
Key Ingredients: Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce
- Fresh Ripe Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes bring a vibrant and slightly tangy note to the sauce, providing a refreshing and zesty flavor.
- Roasted Garlic: Roasted garlic infuses the sauce with a deep, earthy richness and a mild, nutty sweetness, adding complexity to the overall taste.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil contributes a smooth, silky texture to the sauce while imparting a subtle, fruity undertone that enhances its overall richness.
- Onion: Finely diced onion offers a sweet and savory flavor profile, creating a delicate balance with the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Carrots: Grated carrots provide natural sweetness, complementing the tomatoes’ tanginess and adding a hint of earthiness to the sauce.
- Tomato Paste: Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor, adding depth and body to the sauce.
- Sugar (Optional): Sugar, if used, enhances the sauce’s sweetness, rounding out the flavors for a well-balanced taste.
- Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves infuse a bright, herbaceous aroma and a touch of peppery freshness, elevating the overall flavor profile with their aromatic presence.
Choosing Tomatoes and Perfect Seasoning
Selecting the right tomatoes is crucial for a delicious sauce. Opt for vine-ripened tomatoes or Roma tomatoes for a thicker consistency. San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweetness, are excellent, too. For enhanced flavor, roast tomatoes and garlic. This simple step elevates your sauce, adding a smoky, caramelized touch. Perfect seasoning is key. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and sugar to balance acidity. Finish with fresh basil for a burst of freshness.
Serving Ideas
- Meatballs in Tomato Sauce: Pair this flavorful tomato sauce with meatballs for a comforting meal. You can use it in your favorite meatball recipe, adding an extra layer of depth and flavor.
- Lasagna: Our Roasted Tomato and Garlic Spaghetti Sauce is perfect for making a delicious lasagna. Try it in your favorite lasagna recipe for a unique twist on the classic.
- Braised Green Beans: Make a delightful side dish by simmering green beans in this flavorful tomato sauce. Check out our blog’s Braised Green Beans with Tomatoes and Garlic recipe.
- Stuffed Eggplants (Karniyarik): Elevate your stuffed eggplants by using this roasted tomato sauce. The smoky, rich flavor of the sauce pairs perfectly with savory stuffed eggplants.
- Tomato Soup: Transform this sauce into a delicious tomato soup by simmering it with vegetable broth and adding your favorite herbs and spices. It’s a warming and hearty soup without the need for cream. Enjoy the rich garlic and herb flavors in your soup!
Customizing Your Sauce
One of the best things about this roasted tomato sauce is how easy it is to customize. Play around with it, taste as you go, and make it yours. That’s the beauty of homemade sauce.
- Want to boost the flavor? Add a pinch of dried basil, oregano, thyme, or any of your go-to Italian herbs.
- If you’re craving something heartier, stir in some ground beef, lamb, or shredded chicken. Just brown the meat first and mix it in—instant comfort food.
- Prefer something creamy? A splash of cream or a spoonful of mascarpone takes this sauce to a whole new level.
Ways to Use Extra Roasted Tomato Sauce
Got extra roasted tomato sauce? Don’t let it go to waste—this sauce is so versatile! Spoon it over flatbread or naan for a quick pizza night, or stir it into chili for a rich tomato base. You can also layer it with pasta, cheese, and veggies for an easy baked pasta dish that’s bubbly and golden.
This sauce is a kitchen staple that can transform into so many cozy meals. Want more ideas for how to use it? Let me know in the comments!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic
Slice the tomatoes in half and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Scatter the garlic cloves around the tomatoes, then drizzle everything generously with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Roast for about 35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and juicy.
To get that deep, smoky flavor, switch the oven to low broil and broil for an additional 10 minutes until the tops are nicely charred
Prepare the Tomatoes and Garlic
Next, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins. They’ll be soft, sweet, and ready to blend right in
Cook the Sauce
Next, stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute or two until it's well blended with the vegetables. Add the roasted tomatoes and garlic, gently breaking them up with your spoon as everything starts to come together.
Blend and Simmer the Sauce
Finish with Seasoning and Basil
Serve and Enjoy
Savor the taste of the Mediterranean with this Roasted Tomato and Garlic Spaghetti Sauce. Fresh garden tomatoes meet aromatic garlic in this homemade sauce, which is perfect for enhancing your favorite dishes.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 20 Minutes.
Cook Time: 1 hour
How Many Servings?
6 Servings
Ingredients:
| 15 fresh ripe tomatoes (approximately 4 ½ LB) | |
| 2 heads of garlic, separated but not peeled (about 20 cloves) | |
| 4 tablespoons olive oil | |
| Salt and pepper to taste | |
| 1 large onion, finely diced | |
| 2 carrots, finely grated | |
| 2 tablespoons tomato paste | |
| 1 tablespoon sugar to taste (optional) | |
| 1 bunch of fresh basil |
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice the tomatoes in half and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Scatter the garlic cloves around the tomatoes, then drizzle everything generously with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for about 35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and juicy. To get that deep, smoky flavor, switch the oven to low broil and broil for an additional 10 minutes until the tops are nicely charred
Once the tomatoes have cooled slightly, gently peel off their skins—they should slip right off after roasting. Next, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins. They’ll be soft, sweet, and ready to blend right in
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and carrots, and sauté until the veggies are soft and the onions look translucent. Next, stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute or two until it's well blended with the vegetables. Add the roasted tomatoes and garlic, gently breaking them up with your spoon as everything starts to come together.
If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree the sauce to your liking. Then, lower the heat and let it gently simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the richer and more developed the flavors become—so don’t rush it!
Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning—add more salt and pepper if needed, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity if it tastes too sharp. Finally, stir in the fresh basil and let it simmer for another 5 minutes so the flavors can fully come together.
Spoon your roasted tomato sauce over your favorite pasta, top with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and finish with a few fresh basil leaves. It’s simple, comforting, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor—enjoy every bite!
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
How Long Can Spaghetti Sauce Last in the Fridge?
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
Subscribe to my newsletter for authentic Mediterranean recipes, essential cooking tips, and the latest food news, all delivered directly to your inbox for FREE. Let’s create memorable dishes together!
This homemade spaghetti sauce is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, family traditions, and the joy of cooking. Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below how you enjoyed this delightful culinary journey to the Mediterranean.