Fresh Homemade Tomato Sauce

Name: Fresh Homemade Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 pounds fresh tomatoes, chopped; 1 large yellow onion, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

A simple and bright sauce that uses garden fresh tomatoes to bring real flavor to your pasta nights.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 Italian· July 25, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

15 minutes

Cook

50 minutes

Total

1 hour 5 minutes

Serves

There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh tomatoes and garlic simmering on the stove. This sauce is a staple in my kitchen because it is so much lighter and fresher than anything you can buy in a jar.

My best tip is to take your time cooking the onions. Letting them turn golden and soft creates a natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the fresh tomatoes perfectly.

🧺 Ingredients

3 pounds fresh tomatoes, chopped
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2
Add the diced onion and cook until it is soft and light golden brown.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
4
Add the chopped tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot.
5
Turn the heat down to low and simmer the sauce for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
Use a wooden spoon to break down any large pieces of tomato as they soften.
7
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil before serving over your favorite pasta.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze this sauce in freezer bags for up to three months. If you want a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a handful of parmesan cheese right before serving.

#vegetarian #healthy #pasta sauce #fresh tomatoes #italian

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