Rustic Tomato Sauce is a thick, chunky, homemade sauce made using whole peeled tomatoes, onion, garlic, and herbs.
I felt inspired to make Rustic Tomato Sauce one quiet afternoon when I wanted something warm and comforting from scratch.
The sauce brings out deep tomato flavor with simple ingredients slowly simmered. Now I will explain how to make Rustic Tomato Sauce.
Start by sautéing onion and garlic, then add tomatoes and paste, season it well, and simmer until rich and thick. This sauce brings real depth and satisfaction to any homemade meal.
Why Peoples Like Rustic Tomato Sauce?
People love rustic tomato sauce for its simplicity and bold, rich flavor. Made with fresh, high-quality ingredients like ripe tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs, it offers a hearty, homemade taste that brings comfort to any dish.
The rustic style, often left a bit chunky, adds texture and authenticity, making it feel more rustic and satisfying. Its versatility is another big draw, as it can enhance pasta, pizzas, or even be used as a dipping sauce.
The long simmering process deepens the flavors, making each bite more flavorful and perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s a healthier, preservative-free option compared to store-bought sauces!
How To Prepare Rustic Tomato Sauce?
Recipe Information
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Course: Main or Sauce
- Cuisine: Italian
- Calories: Approximately 150 calories per serving (based on 6 servings)
- Yield: 6 servings
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Medium saucepan or skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Chopping board
- Can opener
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil leaves (chopped or torn)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 oz tomato paste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How To Make Rustic Tomato Sauce
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5–7 minutes, until the onion is translucent and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant—do not let it brown.
2. Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes with their juices. Use a wooden spoon to gently crush the tomatoes in the pan (or pre-crush them by hand before adding). Stir in the tomato paste until fully incorporated, which helps thicken and deepen the sauce.
3. Add the sugar, fresh basil, a generous pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or blend in a regular blender in batches (cool slightly first). Otherwise, leave it rustic and chunky.
Nutrition Facts Rustic Tomato Sauce
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 kcal |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Sugars | 9g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 280mg |
Note:
Feel free to customize the sauce according to your tastes. You can make it as smooth or chunky as you prefer, and adjusting the seasoning allows you to make it your own.
The key to a great rustic tomato sauce is letting it simmer and letting all the flavors blend together.
Tips for the Best Rustic Tomato Sauce
➨ Tomato Selection: Using high-quality tomatoes, such as San Marzano, can significantly enhance the flavor of your sauce.
➨ Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are convenient, fresh basil and oregano can add a more vibrant taste. Add fresh herbs towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
➨ Storage: Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to one week or frozen for up to three months.
➨ Customization: Feel free to add a splash of red wine during the sautéing of onions and garlic for added depth of flavor.
How To Serve Rustic Tomato Sauce
This rustic tomato sauce is perfect for pasta! Whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni, this sauce will coat the pasta beautifully, adding flavor and richness.
If you’re making homemade pizza, this rustic tomato sauce is the ideal base. Spread it over your pizza dough before adding toppings and cheese for a burst of flavor.
For a simple appetizer, serve this rustic tomato sauce as a dip with freshly baked bread or garlic bread. It makes for a delightful snack.
Rustic tomato sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pork, or beef. The rich, tangy flavor of the sauce complements the smoky, savory taste of grilled meats.
Tips And Variations
1. Experiment with Fresh Herbs
While I use dried oregano and basil in this recipe, you can easily swap them out for fresh herbs. Fresh basil, thyme, or parsley can bring a different aromatic profile to the sauce.
2. Add a Splash of Wine
For a more sophisticated sauce, try adding a splash of red wine to the mix while the sauce simmers. The wine adds depth and richness to the sauce, making it even more flavorful.
3. Roasted Vegetables
For a heartier sauce, roast some vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant and add them to the sauce. This variation brings a lovely texture and extra flavor.
4. Make it Spicy
For those who love heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or even some finely chopped fresh chili peppers. A little heat can add an exciting kick to the sauce.
5. Vegan-Friendly
This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, so it’s great for those with dietary restrictions. Just be sure to check the ingredients in canned tomatoes and seasoning to ensure they’re free from any non-vegan additives.
(FAQs) To Rustic Tomato Sauce
Can I use canned tomatoes other than San Marzano?
Yes, you can use any canned whole peeled tomatoes, but San Marzano tomatoes are preferred for their sweeter, more balanced flavor. If you use a different variety, the sauce may have a slightly different taste, but it will still work well.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
How can I make this sauce smoother?
If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend it to your desired consistency, or transfer it to a blender. Just be sure to let it cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.
Can I add meat to this sauce?
Yes! This sauce can easily be turned into a meat sauce. You can add ground beef, pork, or turkey to the recipe. Simply brown the meat with the onions before adding the garlic and continuing with the rest of the steps.
Is this sauce spicy?
The sauce includes optional red pepper flakes, so it has a little heat. If you prefer a milder sauce, feel free to omit the red pepper flakes. You can also adjust the level of spice by adding more or less, based on your preference.
Conclusion
This easy and delicious Rustic Tomato Sauce brings a rich, homemade taste to your table using just a few simple ingredients.
It’s full of flavor, hearty in texture, and perfect for pairing with pasta, pizza, or any dish that needs a bold tomato base.
I hope you feel inspired to make it in your own kitchen and enjoy the comforting result. Now that you know how, you will make it and keep coming back to this timeless, satisfying recipe.
Here Are Some Tomato Sauce Recipes You Might Enjoy
Rustic Tomato Sauce || Italian Cooking
Tomato And Coconut Milk Sauce: Flavorful Fusion
Tomato Aioli Sauce (Sun-Dried)
Tuscan Tomato Sauce || A Taste of Italy
Roast Tomato Pizza Sauce | Homemade
Rustic Tomato Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan or skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Chopping board
- Can opener
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 28 ounces whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil leaves chopped or torn
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 oz tomato paste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5–7 minutes, until the onion is translucent and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant—do not let it brown.
- Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes with their juices. Use a wooden spoon to gently crush the tomatoes in the pan (or pre-crush them by hand before adding). Stir in the tomato paste until fully incorporated, which helps thicken and deepen the sauce.
- Add the sugar, fresh basil, a generous pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or blend in a regular blender in batches (cool slightly first). Otherwise, leave it rustic and chunky.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Rustic Tomato Sauce
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 kcal |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Sugars | 9g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 280mg |