Smoked tomato sauce is a savory masterpiece that combines the rich, deep flavors of fire-cooked tomatoes with a touch of smokiness, elevating the sauce beyond the ordinary.
The process begins with roasting fresh tomatoes over an open flame or smoker, allowing the smoke to infuse the fruit, creating layers of complexity.
As the tomatoes char, I carefully chop onions, garlic, and herbs to build the foundation, sautéing them until fragrant.
I add the smoky tomatoes, simmering the mixture until it thickens into a velvety sauce. The people I’m making it for are close friends, always eager to explore bold, rich flavors.
Their excitement fills the kitchen, the atmosphere light and full of laughter. Sharing a meal made with care and creativity is always an unforgettable experience.
How To Prepare Smoked Tomato Sauce?
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Course: Sauce
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American, Smoky
- Calories: Approx. 70 per serving (for 4 servings)
- Yield: 4 servings (1 cup of sauce)
Kitchen Utensils
- Smoker or grill (for smoking tomatoes)
- Knife and chopping board
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Blender (optional, for smooth sauce)
Ingredients
- 8 smoked Roma tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves smoked garlic confit (or minced fresh garlic)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- A handful of fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tomatoes:
Smoke Roma tomatoes using your preferred smoker or grill until they develop a smoky char. This takes about 15–20 minutes. Once done, peel off the skins and set aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes. Add the smoked garlic (or fresh garlic) and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the smoked tomatoes to the saucepan, breaking them apart with a spoon. Stir in smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and balsamic vinegar.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you prefer a smooth sauce, blend it at this stage.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Top the sauce with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve as a topping for pasta, meats, or as a dip.
Special Notes
If you don’t have a smoker, you can achieve a similar smoky flavor by using smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or even grilling the tomatoes on high heat for a short time to create a charred effect.
Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level. If you like it milder, leave them out entirely.
Serving Ideas
This smoky tomato sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a rich, flavorful meal, or use it as a topping for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or pizza.
It also makes a fantastic dipping sauce for crusty bread or fried appetizers. The smoky, tangy flavors elevate simple dishes, making every bite a delightful experience.
For an extra touch, garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
My Tips For Making Smoked Tomato Sauce
1. Choose high-quality Roma or plum tomatoes for the best flavor. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your sauce will turn out.
2. If you’re using a smoker, take your time and allow the tomatoes to absorb the smoky flavor. Low and slow smoking for 15-20 minutes will give your sauce that perfect depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
3. Smoked garlic confit adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce. If you can’t find it, roasting fresh garlic is a great substitute, but confit gives it an added richness.
4. Red pepper flakes are optional, but they can add a nice kick. Be cautious with the amount if you’re not a fan of spice—start with a little, and taste as you go.
5. Don’t rush the simmering process. Allowing the sauce to cook slowly for 20 minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully, giving it a rich, smooth texture.
How To Store Leftovers
To store leftover smoked tomato sauce, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion.
When ready to use, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or heat it gently on the stove. This way, you can enjoy the smoky goodness of your sauce for weeks to come!
FAQs About Smoked Tomato Sauce
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of Roma tomatoes?
Yes, you can use regular tomatoes, but Roma tomatoes are ideal for sauces because of their lower water content and firmer texture. If using regular tomatoes, you may need to cook the sauce longer to reduce excess moisture.
Can I make this sauce without smoked garlic?
Absolutely! You can use regular garlic, but to mimic the smoky flavor, consider roasting it along with the tomatoes or adding a small amount of liquid smoke.
How can I adjust the spice level?
The heat in this sauce comes from the red pepper flakes. To adjust, simply add more or less, depending on your preference. You can also omit them entirely for a mild version.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce stores well in the fridge for 4-5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat it before serving.
What can I serve smoked tomato sauce with?
This sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, grilled meats, or as a dip for bread. You can also use it as a base for other dishes like shakshuka or a smoky tomato soup!
Conclusion
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own sauces from scratch, and this Smoked Tomato Sauce recipe is no exception.
The smoky flavor transforms an ordinary tomato sauce into something extraordinary, perfect for all kinds of dishes. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients and a bit of patience.
So, grab those tomatoes and fire up the smoker – you’re in for a treat!
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Smoked Tomato Sauce
Equipment
- Smoker or grill (for smoking tomatoes)
- Knife and chopping board
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Blender (optional for smooth sauce)
Ingredients
- 8 smoked Roma tomatoes
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 cloves smoked garlic confit or minced fresh garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- A handful of fresh basil leaves optional, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Smoke Roma tomatoes using your preferred smoker or grill until they develop a smoky char. This takes about 15–20 minutes. Once done, peel off the skins and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics:
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes. Add the smoked garlic (or fresh garlic) and cook for another 2 minutes.
Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the smoked tomatoes to the saucepan, breaking them apart with a spoon. Stir in smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and balsamic vinegar.
Simmer the Sauce:
- Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you prefer a smooth sauce, blend it at this stage.
Garnish and Serve:
- Top the sauce with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve as a topping for pasta, meats, or as a dip.