Soft Tomato Sauce
Don’t let those too-soft tomatoes languish on your counter – they’re actually perfect for creating a rich, flavorful sauce that rivals any traditional recipe. When tomatoes become too soft for salads or sandwiches, they’re at their peak sweetness and ideal for transformation into a luxurious sauce.
In Mediterranean kitchens, tomatoes are never wasted, and the softer ones are particularly prized for sauce-making. This recipe honors that tradition while embracing modern zero-waste principles by using the entire tomato, including skins, which add both nutrition and depth of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Overripe Tomatoes: Uses tomatoes too soft for other purposes
- Zero Waste Champion: Utilizes whole tomatoes, including skins
- Freezer Friendly: Make big batches when tomatoes are abundant
- Versatile Base: Use for pasta, pizza, or as cooking sauce
- Cost-Effective: Saves money by using imperfect produce
Expert Tips
- Use barely squeezable tomatoes for best flavor
- Don’t drain excess liquid; it reduces naturally
- Crush tomatoes by hand for rustic texture
- Save any tomato tops for vegetable stock
- Freeze in various portion sizes
Key Ingredients
Soft Tomatoes: Any variety works – mix and match for complex flavor Olive Oil: Use good quality for best results Fresh Herbs: Use stems in sauce, save leaves for garnish Garlic: Include skins in your stock bag Sea Salt & Pepper: Buy in bulk to reduce packaging
How to Make Perfect Soft Tomato Sauce
Step 1: Prepare Tomatoes
- Rinse tomatoes thoroughly
- Remove any damaged parts
- Chop roughly, keeping skins
- Save any good tops for stock
Step 2: Build Flavor Base
- Warm oil with herbs
- Add garlic until fragrant
- Layer in seasonings
- Create aromatic foundation
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Add prepared tomatoes
- Simmer slowly
- Reduce to perfect thickness
- Season carefully
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Too Watery?: Extend cooking time
- Too Acidic?: Add pinch of sugar
- Too Chunky?: Use immersion blender
- Bitter Taste?: Add touch of butter
Zero Waste Storage Tips
- Use glass jars or containers
- Freeze in silicon molds
- Label with washable markers
- Save spare sauce in ice cube trays
Soft Tomato Sauce
Transform overripe tomatoes into a rich, versatile sauce while eliminating food waste.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs very ripe tomatoes, whole
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 sprigs fresh basil
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prep tomatoes and herbs (15 minutes):
Wash tomatoes
Rough chop, keeping skins
Crush garlic
Prepare herbs - Build base (10 minutes):
Heat oil gently
Sauté garlic
Add herbs
Toast spices - Cook sauce (90 minutes):
Add tomatoes
Bring to simmer
Reduce heat
Cook until thickened
Season to taste
