Why Make Homemade Tomato and Pepper Sauce?
- Fresher flavour
- No preservatives or additives
- Adjustable spice levels
- A budget-friendly meal base
- A freezer-friendly staple
Plus, it’s the perfect way to use up extra tomatoes and bell peppers.
Ingredients for Tomato and Pepper Sauce
For Classic Tomato Sauce:
- 2 lbs fresh ripe tomatoes (Roma or vine tomatoes)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Fresh basil or Italian seasoning
For Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:
- 3–4 red bell peppers
- 2 tomatoes (optional, for balance)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Tomato Sauce from Fresh Tomatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes - For a smoother sauce:
- Boil for 30 seconds.
- Transfer to ice water.
- Peel skins off easily.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook onions for 4–5 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
This builds the flavor base of your homemade sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
- Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes.
- Stir occasionally.
- Allow sauce to naturally thicken.
Blend with an immersion blender if you prefer a smooth tomato sauce.
How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Step 1: Roast the Peppers
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Roast peppers for 20–25 minutes until skins blister
- Cover in a bowl for 10 minutes
- Peel skins and remove seeds.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
- Blend roasted peppers with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper
- For deeper flavour, simmer the blended sauce for 10–15 minutes
This roasted red pepper sauce is perfect for pasta, grilled chicken, or sandwiches.
How to Store Homemade Sauce
Refrigerate:
- Store in airtight container
- Lasts 4–5 days
Freeze:
- Cool completely
- Freeze in portions
- Keeps up to 3 months
- Pro tip: Freeze flat in zip bags for easy storage.