Roasted Tomato Garlic Recipe – Easy Homemade Italian Sauce

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Roasted Tomato Garlic Recipe – Easy Homemade Italian Sauce

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for ways to elevate simple meals. And honestly, this roasted tomato garlic sauce is a game changer. I first stumbled upon a version of this while travelling through Italy, and I’ve been tweaking it ever since to get it just right. It’s so much more flavorful than anything you can buy in a jar, and surprisingly easy to make. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another tomato sauce recipe. Roasting the tomatoes and garlic brings out a sweetness and depth of flavour that’s just incredible. It’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or even as a base for soups and stews. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those extra tomatoes from the garden! You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so gourmet.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciousness:

• 530-550 grams tomatoes
• 6-7 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5-1 teaspoon crushed black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon sugar
• 0.25-0.5 cup warm water
• Salt as needed

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little things can make a big difference!

Tomatoes: Choosing the Right Variety

Roma tomatoes are my go-to for roasting because they have a meaty texture and fewer seeds. But honestly, any ripe tomatoes will work! Cherry tomatoes are also fantastic – they roast up beautifully and create a super sweet sauce.

Garlic: Fresh vs. Roasted Flavor

Fresh garlic is a must here. Roasting mellows out the sharpness and brings out a lovely sweetness. Don’t even think about using garlic powder! Trust me on this one.

Olive Oil: Quality and Impact on Taste

A good quality olive oil really shines in this recipe. It adds richness and flavour. Extra virgin olive oil is best, but use what you have.

Black Pepper: Freshly Crushed for Aroma

Freshly crushed black pepper is key! It has a much more vibrant aroma than pre-ground pepper. I like to use a mortar and pestle, but a good pepper grinder works great too.

Warm Water: Temperature & Consistency

The warm water helps to loosen everything up in the blender and achieve a smooth consistency. Don’t use cold water – it won’t blend as easily.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C/356°F for 10 minutes. This gets everything nice and hot for roasting.
2. Rinse and slice your tomatoes. Don’t worry about being too precise – rustic is good! Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking tray along with your chopped garlic.
3. Drizzle the tomatoes and garlic with olive oil. Make sure everything is nicely coated.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are golden and slightly shriveled. The garlic should be fragrant and softened.
5. Carefully transfer the roasted tomatoes, garlic, and all those lovely pan juices to a blender. Add your black pepper, sugar, salt, and warm water.
6. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes I add a tiny pinch more sugar if the tomatoes are a bit tart.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the baking tray! Give the tomatoes space so they roast properly instead of steaming.
• If you want a really smooth sauce, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
• A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely little kick!

Variations

This recipe is super versatile. Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your sugar source if you’re super strict.

Spice Level Adjustment

Love a bit of heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped chili to the roasting tray. My friend, Priya, adds a whole green chili for a serious kick!

Italian Regional Variations

For a Tuscan twist, add a sprig of rosemary to the roasting tray. If you’re feeling inspired by Sicily, a few capers blended into the sauce are divine.

Festival Adaptations (Christmas, Easter)

During Christmas, my Nonna would add a bay leaf to the roasting tomatoes for a festive aroma. For Easter, she’d serve it with homemade ricotta gnocchi – a family tradition!

Serving Suggestions

This sauce is amazing with… well, everything!

• Toss it with your favourite pasta.
• Spread it on pizza dough.
• Use it as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.
• Serve it with grilled chicken or fish.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Lucky you!

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: This sauce freezes beautifully! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What’s the best way to store leftover roasted tomato sauce?

An airtight container in the fridge is best. You can also add a thin layer of olive oil on top to help prevent oxidation.

Can I freeze this sauce for later use?

Absolutely! It freezes really well. Just make sure to leave some headspace in the container as the sauce expands when frozen.

What kind of tomatoes work best for roasting?

Roma tomatoes are ideal, but any ripe tomatoes will do. Cherry tomatoes are also a great option.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

While fresh is always best, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Add a little more sugar, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness.

Is this sauce suitable for babies or young children?

Yes, but I’d recommend omitting the black pepper and salt for babies. You can always add it later for the rest of the family.