Fire Roasted Tomatoes Spaghetti Sauce
Fire-roasted tomatoes spaghetti sauce offers a smoky, rich flavor that elevates classic pasta dishes. By charring tomatoes over an open flame, the sauce develops a deep, savory taste, enhanced with garlic, onions, and herbs. It's a bold, delicious alternative to traditional marinara or tomato-based sauces.
Equipment
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Knife & chopping board
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener (if using canned tomatoes)
Ingredients
- 2 cans 14.5 oz each fire-roasted diced tomatoes (or substitute with fresh fire-roasted tomatoes)
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar to balance acidity
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped (for garnish)
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar optional, for depth of flavor
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients:
- Start by chopping the onion, garlic, and fresh basil. Set them aside. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, fire-roast them first by grilling or charring them on an open flame, then dice them.
Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes & Seasoning:
- Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), kosher salt, black pepper, and sugar. Mix everything together.
Simmer the Sauce:
- Add ½ cup of water to the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and allow the sauce to cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors to meld together.
Adjust Flavors:
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. If you like a deeper flavor, stir in the balsamic vinegar at this stage. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Finish & Garnish:
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed, remove from heat. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Serve:
- Spoon the sauce over your favorite pasta (spaghetti works wonderfully!) or use it as a base for pizza or any dish that requires tomato sauce.