Got a glut of ripe tomatoes that are begging to be used? This homemade Tomato and Basil Sauce is the perfect way to make the most of them. Simmered low and slow, the tomatoes break down into a rich, flavourful sauce infused with garlic, sweet onion, and a hint of balsamic for depth.
Deliciously simple and full of garden-fresh flavour, this versatile staple is perfect stirred through pasta, spooned over grilled chicken, or used as a base for bolognese, chilli, soups, and more.
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Why You'll Love This Sauce
There’s something so satisfying about transforming fresh, ripe tomatoes into a rich and hearty sauce. Here’s why this one’s a keeper:
- Uses up ripe tomatoes – perfect when they’re on the edge.
- Naturally slimming-friendly – no added sugar or excess oils.
- Batch-friendly – make a big pot and freeze for later meals.
- Versatile – pasta, pizza, lasagne, chilli… this sauce does it all.
Calories in Tomato Basil Sauce
This sauce serves 4 and is 118 calories per serving
If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 100+ calorie recipes.
If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.
See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.
Ingredients Notes
To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- Ripe tomatoes – I used about 7 large vine or roma tomatoes.
- Onion & celery – a classic flavour base.
- Garlic – don’t be shy, it brings so much depth.
- Olive oil – just a touch for sautéing and flavour.
- Tomato paste – intensifies that tomatoey goodness.
- Balsamic vinegar – adds a subtle sweetness and tang.
- Fresh basil – for that unmistakable Italian fragrance.
- Salt & pepper – season to taste.
Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.
See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions
How to Make
- Step 1: Score the top of the tomatoes
- Step 2: Drop into boiling water for a few minutes until skins loosen, then peel. Remove most seeds and finely chop the flesh.
- Step 3: Drizzle a frying pan over a medium high heat with the olive oil. Fry onion, celery and garlic until softened.
- Step 4: Add the tomatoes and cook for a few minutes, breaking up any large pieces. Stir in torn basil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper, then simmer on low for 45–60 minutes until rich and deep red.
- Step 5: You can add a little stock if you prefer a more watery sauce, but I love the thickness and flavour of this sauce just as it is.
- Step 6: This sauce is delicious served over pasta with a little grating of parmesan (optional)
Tips & Variations
Want to mix things up a little? Here are some easy ways to tweak the sauce depending on what you’ve got on hand – or the mood you’re in:
- No fresh tomatoes? You can substitute with a couple of tins of quality plum tomatoes in a pinch, but the flavour of ripe fresh tomatoes really shines here.
- Add a bit of heat – a pinch of chilli flakes gives this sauce a warming twist.
- Creamy twist – swirl in a spoonful of cream cheese, ricotta, crème fraîche for a velvety finish.
- Want it smoother? Blend it with a stick blender once cooked down. You might want to add in some flavoured stock for this method.
How I Like to Use It
Once you’ve made this sauce, the possibilities are endless. Here are just a few of my favourite ways to enjoy it:
- Batch it – double or trip the recipe, cool and freeze in portions for quick meals later.
- Pasta night – toss with spaghetti, penne, or gnocchi.
- Meat dishes – spoon over grilled chicken, meatballs, or steak.
- Base sauce – perfect for bolognese, lasagne, pizza, or even a chilli con carne.
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Recipe Card
Tomato and Basil Sauce
Make the most of ripe tomatoes with this easy, vibrant Tomato and Basil Sauce that’s bursting with fresh, garden flavours.
Ingredients
- 7 large tomatoes (I used vine or roma tomatoes)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (puree)
- Splash of balsamic vinegar
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
- pinch of salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the tomatoes: Score a small cross in the tops of each tomato. Drop into a saucepan of boiling water for a few minutes until the skins begin to loosen. Remove, allow to cool slightly, then peel off the skins.
- Remove seeds: Cut the tomatoes and scoop out as many seeds as you can. Finely chop the remaining tomato flesh.
- Cook the base: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, around 5–7 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for a further few minutes, breaking up any large pieces with the back of a wooden spoon.
- Flavour and simmer: Stir in the tomato paste, splash of balsamic, torn basil leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 40-45, until thickened and rich in colour.
- Adjust texture if needed: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash of vegetable stock or water. You can also blend it smooth, but we love it left fresh and chunky for a more rustic feel.
- Serve or store: Use immediately or cool and store in the fridge (up to 5 days) or freezer.
Notes
Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:
- Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
- WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs - due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1 SERVINGAmount Per Serving Calories 118Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 0mgSodium 58mgCarbohydrates 19gFiber 5gSugar 11gProtein 4g
Nutritional information and values etc are an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate by the ingredients you use.
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