I believe that the best dishes are often the simplest. That’s why rustic tomato sauce is one of my top all-time recipes. This sauce has everything I love rich, fresh flavors, and the perfect balance of herbs.
I always keep a batch of rustic tomato sauce ready to go in my kitchen because it’s so versatile. Whether I’m tossing it with pasta, spreading it on a pizza, or just dipping warm bread into it, this sauce never fails to impress.
The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is. You can add more heat with red pepper flakes or play around with different herbs depending on what you have on hand.
For me, it’s the perfect combination of ease and taste, and it’s a dish I can always count on.
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: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Course: Main or Sauce
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Italian
- Calories: Approximately 150 calories per serving (based on 6 servings)
- Yield: 6 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Can opener
- Measuring spoons
- Chopping knife for vegetables
- Ladle (for serving)
- Strainer (optional for smooth texture)
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)
- 5 sprigs fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil leaves
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- 10 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for additional heat)
- 8 medium carrots, finely diced
- 3 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How To Make Rustic Tomato Sauce
1. Place a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and heat until it shimmers.
2. Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the finely diced carrots and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften.
4. Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon as they cook. Add the fresh oregano, thyme, basil leaves, bay leaves, and sugar. Stir to combine. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 40 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
6. After the sauce has simmered, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for desired heat.
5. Spoon the sauce into bowls or serve over your favorite pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves. Optionally, drizzle with more olive oil or sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
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 ServeRustic 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 AndVariations
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
Rustic tomato sauce is a timeless and versatile recipe that I keep coming back to. It’s simple to make, packed with fresh flavors, and can be used in a variety of dishes.
The best part is that it’s easy to personalize add extra herbs, adjust the spice level, or even include some vegetables or meat for added texture.
With just a few basic ingredients, you can create something truly special. I’m confident that once you try making this rustic tomato sauce, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too. Happy cooking, and enjoy!
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
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Can opener
- Measuring spoons
- Chopping knife for vegetables
- Ladle (for serving)
- Strainer (optional for smooth texture)
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)
- 5 sprigs fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil leaves
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for some heat
- 10 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh basil leaves chopped (for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for additional heat
- 8 medium carrots finely diced
- 3 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and heat until it shimmers.
- Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the finely diced carrots and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften.
- Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon as they cook. Add the fresh oregano, thyme, basil leaves, bay leaves, and sugar. Stir to combine. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 40 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- After the sauce has simmered, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for desired heat.
- Spoon the sauce into bowls or serve over your favorite pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves. Optionally, drizzle with more olive oil or sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.