Ordinary Tomato Sauce Recipe

Growing up, the smell of simmering tomato sauce always meant home. But I discovered that adding a pinch of roasted red pepper brings a smoky depth I never knew I needed. It’s like capturing a cozy memory and making it taste better than ever.

Cooking this sauce feels like an act of reclaiming tradition with a twist. The garlic sizzles gently, and the spoon clinks on the thick, rustic sauce as it thickens. The vibrant red hue and the lingering aroma of basil make all the chaos worthwhile.

How This Sauce Became a Favorite

I started making this when I wanted a tomato sauce that felt homemade but didn’t take all day. Adding roasted red peppers was an easy way to bring more depth using ingredients I already had. Once I tried it, I kept coming back to it. It works just as well for quick pasta nights as it does for slower weekend cooking.

Why These Ingredients Work Together

Garlic and olive oil build a simple base, while tomatoes provide body and richness. The roasted red peppers add warmth and a mild smokiness, and fresh basil keeps everything tasting clean and balanced. Nothing competes, each ingredient supports the others.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

• Smoky depth: Roasted red peppers add richness
• Simple ingredients: No unnecessary additions
• Quick to make: Ready in under an hour
• Versatile: Works for pasta, pizza, or dipping
• Balanced flavor: Bright tomatoes with gentle sweetness
• Classic feel: Still familiar and comforting
• Easy to repeat: Reliable results every time

Tips for Best Results

• Keep the garlic heat gentle to avoid bitterness
• Let the sauce simmer uncovered so it thickens naturally
• Dice peppers evenly for consistent texture
• Taste before seasoning, tomatoes vary
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking

Ingredients in This Recipe

1. 3 cloves garlic, minced: Forms the aromatic base
2. 800 g canned crushed tomatoes: Provides body and acidity
3. 2 roasted red bell peppers, skin removed: Adds smoky sweetness
4. 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and richness
5. 4 fresh basil leaves, chopped: Adds freshness
6. Salt to taste: Balances flavors
7. Black pepper to taste: Adds mild warmth

Tools You’ll Need

1. Knife
2. Cutting board
3. Skillet or saucepan
4. Stirring spoon

How to Make This Tomato Sauce

1. Dice the roasted red peppers into small pieces and set aside
2. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat
3. Add minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant, about 30 seconds
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir well
5. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally
6. Add roasted red peppers and chopped basil
7. Continue simmering for 5 minutes until thick and smooth
8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste
9. Serve hot

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use jarred roasted red peppers if needed
• Swap crushed tomatoes for tomato purée
• Reduce basil slightly if you prefer a milder herb flavor

This sauce is perfect for the start of a new season, bright, fresh, and full of memories waiting to be made. It’s the kind of dish that feels both timeless and timely, exactly what we need as the days get shorter and cozier.

Whether spooned over pasta or used as a base for a quick pizza, this sauce reminds me why I love cooking from scratch. It’s honest, fragrant, and always delivers a sense of home, no matter where I am.

Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Sauce

This tomato sauce is simmered with garlic and basil until rich and thick, then enhanced with roasted red peppers to add a smoky depth. The sauce has a rustic, vibrant red appearance with a velvety texture that coats pasta or serves as a flavorful base for other dishes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 3 cloves garlic cloves minced
• 800 g canned crushed tomatoes or good quality pureed tomatoes
• 2 peppers red bell peppers roasted and skin removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
• 4 fresh basil leaves basil chopped
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper

Equipment

• Knife
• Cutting board
• Skillet or saucepan
• Stirring spoon

Method

 

1. Dice the roasted red peppers into small strips and set aside.
2. Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and add the minced garlic. Sizzle gently until fragrant, about 30 seconds, releasing a warm aroma.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken and deepen in color.
4. Stir in the roasted red peppers and chopped basil, allowing the flavors to meld for another 5 minutes. The sauce should become velvety and vibrant in color.
5. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste, then give it a good stir. The aroma will be inviting and the sauce thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6. Finally, check the consistency and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over pasta or use as a flavorful base for other dishes.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Roasted Red Peppers: Bring natural sweetness and smoky depth
• Tomatoes: Create a rich, rustic base when gently simmered

Texture & Flavor Notes

• Thick, rustic consistency
• Smooth tomato base with soft pepper pieces
• Gentle smokiness throughout
• Fresh basil aroma at the finish

What to Avoid

• Browning the garlic
• Overcooking the basil
• Adding salt too early
• Cooking at high heat

Nutrition Estimate

• Calories: ~150 per serving
• Carbohydrates: ~18g
• Protein: ~3g
• Fat: ~7g

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Store refrigerated up to 4 days
• Freeze for up to 2 months
• Reheat gently on the stove
• Stir before serving

How to Serve This Sauce

• Spoon over pasta
• Use as a pizza base
• Serve with meatballs
• Pair with crusty bread

Creative Leftover Ideas

• Spread on flatbreads
• Stir into rice or grains
• Use as a dipping sauce
• Layer into baked dishes

Variations to Try

• Extra pepper-forward version
• Thicker sauce with longer simmer
• Smoother sauce by blending
• Lighter version with less oil
• Chunkier version with larger pepper pieces

FAQs

1. Can I use jarred roasted peppers? Yes
2. Do I need to peel the peppers? Yes, for smooth texture
3. Is this sauce spicy? No, it’s mild
4. Can I freeze it? Yes
5. Does it thicken more later? Slightly
6. Can I blend it smooth? Yes
7. Can I double the recipe? Yes
8. Is basil required? Yes, for balance

This simple tomato sauce embodies the beauty of slow, intentional cooking. It proves that with a few thoughtful touches, a humble ingredient can become something truly memorable.

It’s a reminder to savor the little moments, the smell of garlic and basil, the gentle simmer, the thickening sauce, that make cooking feel alive and genuine. Sometimes, the most unassuming recipes hold the deepest comfort.

Mahek Manchanda

Hi, I am Mahek Manchanda. The curious heart behind Dramatically Stirring. I’ve always been most at ease in my own company. I’m not exactly a people-person (small talk still makes me cringe), but there are two things I’ve always loved with my whole heart: animals and food.