What tomatoes work best for roasting?

Ripe, fresh tomatoes are ideal for the best flavor. Both cherry and larger varieties work well; cherry tomatoes roast faster and bring extra sweetness.

Do I need to peel the tomatoes first?

No peeling is needed. Roasting and blending breaks down the skins; you can sieve after blending for a smoother texture if desired.

How long will the sauce keep in the fridge?

The sauce can be stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to three days. Freeze for longer storage, up to six weeks.

Can the sauce be used on pizza?

Absolutely. This rich, roasted sauce makes an excellent pizza base, adding depth and a hint of caramelized flavor to your pies.

What herbs are best for this sauce?

Fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil bring vibrant flavor. Use a mix or your favorite combination to suit your taste.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes, you can roast and blend in peppers, zucchini, or carrots for more complexity or to use up what you have on hand.

Intense Roasted Tomato Olive Herb Sauce for Pasta and Pizza

A spoon is in a jar of roasted tomato sauce. | mellierecipes.com

Roasted Tomato Sauce brings out the true sweetness of tomatoes and transforms even supermarket varieties into something special. I reach for this sauce again and again for pizza nights or quick pasta dishes because the roasted vegetables blend into a rich, velvety texture without any need to peel the tomatoes.

The first time I made this I had an armful of tomatoes on the counter and no idea what to do with them. Now this is my secret to easy homemade dinners that still taste like summer.

Ingredients

Ripe tomatoes: look for soft just slightly wrinkled tomatoes for their rich flavor
Medium onions: choose firm onions with shiny skins which add depth
Garlic: sliced thin for mellow sweetness or more punch if left chunkier
Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano: pick fragrant leafy stems for the most aroma
Salt and pepper: good quality salt and freshly ground pepper to balance flavors
Brown sugar: just a sprinkle if your tomatoes are a bit sour
Balsamic vinegar: adds a balancing acidity and a touch of sweetness
Olive oil: use extra virgin for a lush mouthfeel and extra flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Vegetables:: Halve the tomatoes place with sliced onions and garlic in a large roasting tin spread everything out for even caramelization
Season and Toss:: Sprinkle over salt and pepper then add brown sugar if using drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil toss so every piece is nicely coated
Roast the Vegetables:: Set your oven to a gentle 170C or 150C if using fan roast for about one hour until onions are silky soft and tomatoes have collapsed and edges are caramelized stir every so often and turn heat down if it gets too brown
Blend the Sauce:: Scrape everything from the roasting tin including all juices and oil into a blender remove any tough herb stems blend until as smooth or chunky as you like
For Extra Smoothness:: If you want a silky finish press the sauce through a sieve to catch out the seeds and any bits of skin

My favorite part is the scent of garlic and onion as they roast in olive oil. It reminds me of making Sunday suppers with my mom where we used whatever herbs we found in her garden for a personal touch.

Storage Tips

Store your roasted tomato sauce in a clean jar in the fridge for up to three days for longer storage freeze portions in airtight containers for up to six weeks defrost overnight in the fridge or gently heat from frozen in a saucepan

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have fresh herbs dried work well just use less about a teaspoon total red onions are lovely for a milder sweetness grape or cherry tomatoes use whole and keep an eye on cooking time

A spoon in a jar of roasted tomato sauce. | mellierecipes.com

Serving Suggestions

Use this sauce on homemade pizza bases for Mediterranean flavor stir through hot pasta with extra herbs for a one pan dinner or spoon over roasted fish or chicken for a pop of freshness

Cultural and Historical Context

Roasting tomatoes is a tradition found all across the Mediterranean where the technique concentrates sweetness and builds savory notes it is a handy way to preserve the flavor of summer especially before refrigeration was common

Recipe FAQs

→ What tomatoes work best for roasting?: Ripe, fresh tomatoes are ideal for the best flavor. Both cherry and larger varieties work well; cherry tomatoes roast faster and bring extra sweetness.
→ Do I need to peel the tomatoes first?: No peeling is needed. Roasting and blending breaks down the skins; you can sieve after blending for a smoother texture if desired.
→ How long will the sauce keep in the fridge?: The sauce can be stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to three days. Freeze for longer storage, up to six weeks.
→ Can the sauce be used on pizza?: Absolutely. This rich, roasted sauce makes an excellent pizza base, adding depth and a hint of caramelized flavor to your pies.
→ What herbs are best for this sauce?: Fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil bring vibrant flavor. Use a mix or your favorite combination to suit your taste.
→ Can I add extra vegetables?: Yes, you can roast and blend in peppers, zucchini, or carrots for more complexity or to use up what you have on hand.

Roasted Tomato Olive Herb