Classic Chunky Tomato Sauce
Italian Medium

Classic Chunky Tomato Sauce

A deep, concentrated sauce made with hand-crushed tomatoes and a touch of red wine

italianvegetariangluten-freedairy-freedinnerone-pot
β€” (0 ratings)
⏱️ 45 minutes 15 minutes prep · 30 minutes cook
🍽️ 4 cups Makes
210 Calories
3g Protein
16g Carbs
11g Fat

Why This Recipe Works

Browning the tomatoes before adding the liquid develops a rich, savory depth that canned tomatoes often lack. Pulsing in a few whole tomatoes at the end gives the sauce its signature rustic, chunky texture.


Instructions

1

Drain the tomatoes in a fine-mesh strainer set over a large bowl. Open the tomatoes by hand to remove and discard the seeds and fibrous cores, then let them drain for 5 minutes. Set aside a small portion of the tomatoes and reserve the required amount of tomato juice, discarding any extra.

2

Heat most of the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook until softened and lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and oregano and cook until fragrant. Add the main portion of drained tomatoes and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring often, until the liquid has evaporated and the tomatoes begin to brown and stick to the pan, 10 to 12 minutesβ€”this browning is essential for a deep flavor.

3

Stir in the wine and cook until thick and syrupy, about 1 minute. Add the reserved tomato juice and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.

4

Transfer the sauce to a food processor, add the reserved whole tomatoes, and pulse until slightly chunky, about 8 pulses. Return the sauce to the skillet, stir in the basil and the remaining oil, and season with salt, pepper, and sugar to taste. Serve hot with pasta, adding a splash of pasta cooking water if needed to adjust the consistency.


🍽️ Complete the Meal

Spaghetti Rigatoni
πŸ“…
Make Ahead: The tomato sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
🧊
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days. Freezes well for 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this recipe?

Refrigerate up to 4 days. Freezes well for 3 months.

Can I make this ahead of time?

The tomato sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Rohit Bothra
Recipe by

Rohit Bothra

Self-taught cook exploring global vegetarian cuisine from my Atlanta kitchen.

Learn more about me β†’
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