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Rachael Ray Tomato Sauce Recipe

Rachael Ray Tomato Sauce Recipe

Rachael Ray’s homemade tomato sauce recipe is a delight for any kitchen enthusiast!

The blend of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic brings a rich and comforting flavor to your dishes.

One essential tip: allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 45 minutes to fully develop its deep, hearty taste.

I love how versatile it is; you can pair it with pasta, use it as a base for pizzas, or just enjoy it with some good bread.

Remember to taste and adjust the seasonings as you go, making it perfect for your palate.

How to Make Rachael Ray Tomato Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
  • 1 large Onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 cans Tomatoes (32 oz. each, crushed)
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • Basil Leaves (fresh, optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

First, heat the EVOO in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2:

Add the finely chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them until they are soft and fragrant, which usually takes about 5 minutes.

Step 3:

Next, add the crushed tomatoes and bay leaves to the saucepan. Rinse the tomato cans with 2 cups of water and pour it into the pan.

This ensures you get all the tomato goodness.

Step 4:

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a lively simmer.

Step 5:

Add the crushed red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6:

Let the sauce cook, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

This should take about 45 minutes.

Step 7:

Remove the bay leaves before serving and, if you like, garnish with fresh basil.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

stirring rachael ray tomato sauce

Use high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor.

San Marzano tomatoes are a favorite of mine.

Don’t rush the simmering process.

Letting the sauce slowly thicken allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

If you like a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree it.

For a little extra flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or vermouth.

Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

Lastly, fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma and taste when used as a garnish.

What to Serve with Rachael Ray Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with classic garlic bread!

The crispy texture and garlic flavor pair perfectly with the rich tomato sauce.

It’s a match made in heaven.

Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad is another traditional option that works wonderfully.

The crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons offer a delightful contrast to the warm, savory sauce.

Grilled Vegetables

Consider grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus.

The smoky grilled flavors complement the tomato sauce beautifully.

Plus, it adds a healthy component to your meal.

Polenta Fries

For something a little out of the ordinary, try serving polenta fries.

They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them an exciting and tasty side dish.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts are another unique choice.

The tangy and slightly sweet glaze pairs interestingly with the tomato sauce, giving you an unexpected burst of flavor in every bite.

Variations and Substitutions

Adjusting Spice Levels

You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper.

I often recommend starting with a small amount and adding more as you taste.

For a milder sauce, you can omit the red pepper altogether.

Using Fresh Tomatoes

You can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned if you prefer.

Blanch and peel the tomatoes before adding them to the pot.

Add some extra cooking time to allow the fresh tomatoes to break down.

Making It Heartier

To make the sauce heartier, consider adding diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

You can also add ground meat or sausage for protein.

Both options provide more texture and make the sauce more filling.

Alternative Herbs

Feel free to switch up the herbs to change the flavor profile.

Basil and oregano are classic choices, but thyme and rosemary add a different, delicious twist.

Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried ones, but use them sparingly since dried herbs are more concentrated.

How to Store Leftover Tomato Sauce

If you have made Rachael Ray’s tomato sauce recipe and have leftovers, there are simple ways to store it to keep it fresh and delicious!

First, allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before storing.

Refrigeration

Place the leftover tomato sauce in an airtight container.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Make sure to label the container with the date.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container.

Divide the sauce into smaller portions for easy use later.

Use resealable plastic bags and create indents in the sauce for individual portions.

Tips for Freezing

Lay the resealable bags flat in the freezer for efficient storage.

Don’t forget to label the bags with the date and contents. You can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator or in a bowl of cold water.

Enjoy your leftover tomato sauce! Happy cooking!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Sauce

One common mistake is overcooking the tomato sauce, which can cause it to lose its fresh flavor and become too thick or too reduced.

You want to simmer the sauce just until it thickens, which usually takes around 45 minutes.

Keep a close eye on the sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pot.

Underseasoning

Another pitfall is underseasoning the sauce.

Tomatoes need a good amount of salt to bring out their natural sweetness and acidity.

Don’t be afraid to taste your sauce as it cooks and adjust the salt, red pepper flakes, and other seasonings to your preference.

Skipping Fresh Herbs

Skipping fresh herbs is a mistake you definitely want to avoid.

Fresh basil, parsley, or even oregano can add bright, aromatic flavors to your sauce.

Add the fresh herbs towards the end of cooking to maintain their vibrant taste.

rachael ray tomato sauce hdr

Rachael Ray Tomato Sauce Recipe

Rachael Ray's homemade tomato sauce recipe is a delight for any kitchen enthusiast!
The blend of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic brings a rich and comforting flavor to your dishes.
One essential tip: allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 45 minutes to fully develop its deep, hearty taste.
I love how versatile it is; you can pair it with pasta, use it as a base for pizzas, or just enjoy it with some good bread.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time43 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Sauce
Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil EVOO
  • 1 large Onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 cans Tomatoes 32 oz. each, crushed
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Basil Leaves fresh, optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • First, heat the EVOO in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the finely chopped onion and garlic.
  • Sauté them until they are soft and fragrant, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
  • Next, add the crushed tomatoes and bay leaves to the saucepan.
  • Rinse the tomato cans with 2 cups of water and pour it into the pan.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a lively simmer.
  • Add the crushed red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Let the sauce cook, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
  • Remove the bay leaves before serving and, if you like, garnish with fresh basil.

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