Tomato lovers, rejoice! This recipe will bring the flavors of summer to those cold winter days, all without the use of preservatives – a definite bonus. A simple yet genius roasted tomato base, this sauce can be used in a flash for pasta, pizza, or even as a soup. All you need are a few fresh ingredients and some olive oil. Make it now and enjoy the taste of summer all year round!

You can prepare this versatile tomato sauce for winter using homegrown tomatoes and herbs from your garden. The best part? It’s entirely natural with no preservatives. Let’s dive into the exact recipe!

Oven-Roasted Tomato Sauce with Fresh Herbs

Ingredients

For a 35x24x8 cm (14×9.5×3 inch) baking dish, these are the proportions you’ll need:

  • 1.5 to 2 kilograms (3.3 to 4.4 pounds) of tomatoes (cut into wedges)
  • 1 large head of garlic
  • 1 very large onion (or two medium-sized)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Brown sugar
  • Rosemary (3-4 sprigs, 10 cm (4 inches) each)
  • Thyme (a handful)
  • Oregano
  • Basil
  • Italian or pizza seasoning mix
  • Olive oil

Instructions

Using homemade ingredients is essential because the taste of homegrown tomatoes is incomparable to store-bought ones.

With thyme, oregano, rosemary, and basil growing in the garden, you can use them fresh in this recipe. The choice of herbs, as well as the amount of garlic and onion, is up to personal preference.

1. Cut the tomatoes into wedges – the size depends on the tomato. Fill the baking dish with a layer of the tomato wedges. It’s important to use a high-sided dish as the tomatoes will release juices that could otherwise splatter the oven.

2. Sprinkle this first layer with a bit of brown sugar, then add salt, pepper, half of the garlic (cut the cloves into 2-4 pieces), and plenty of seasoning mix.

3. Add a second layer of tomatoes. Again, add all the seasonings (adjust according to taste), then the other half of the garlic and the onion, cut into larger wedges. Top with fresh rosemary and thyme. For the rosemary, strip the leaves off 3-4 sprigs (10 cm each) and sprinkle over the tomatoes. Do the same with a handful of thyme leaves. (If fresh herbs are unavailable, you can use dried herbs or more of the seasoning mix.)

4. Drizzle the top layer with olive oil, press the onions slightly into the tomatoes, and place in the oven at 180°C (356°F) with the fan setting on. This setting requires pressing the onions in to prevent them from burning quickly. Once the tomatoes start to brown, switch to top and bottom heat, keeping the temperature at 180°C. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon and continue roasting until done.

5. Once ready, let the mixture cool slightly before transferring it to a blender, then into a pot. After blending, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can make multiple batches at once, covering the pot while waiting for the others. When all batches are combined and seasoned to taste, bring the sauce to a slow, thorough boil. Let it simmer a bit, stirring frequently to prevent splattering.

6. Pour the sauce into clean, hot jars, drizzle a little olive oil on top to seal, close with a lid, and wrap the jars in towels to cool slowly. Store in a cool pantry with other delicious preserves.

This roasted tomato sauce can be enjoyed as an Italian-style tomato soup with cheese and croutons, as a base for ragù dishes like Bolognese, chili con carne, or lasagna. It also makes an excellent pizza sauce or dipping sauce. For a quick pasta dish, add some bacon, tuna, or mushrooms for a delightful meal.

Acknowledgment

We would like to express our gratitude to our reader, Zsófia Balanek, for sharing this incredible recipe and the accompanying photos. Her passion for gardening and cooking shines through in this versatile tomato sauce that will surely become a staple in many kitchens.

Final Thoughts

This oven-roasted tomato sauce is not just a recipe; it’s a gateway to enjoying the flavors of summer throughout the winter. Whether you use it as a soup, sauce, or base for a hearty dish, this natural, preservative-free sauce is sure to elevate your meals. Try it out and bring a taste of summer to your winter table!