By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 9, 2026
Serves 5
252 cal · 255 min
Simple Roasted Tomato Sauce
Recipe GLPRb4deba218da795
A naturally gluten-free, dairy-free sauce made from slow-roasted tomatoes and garlic blended into a smooth, vibrant condiment. Low-temperature roasting for 4 hours concentrates the tomato flavor while keeping the sauce wholesome and minimally processed. Perfect for pasta, grain bowls, or as a cooking base.
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Ingredients
5 to 6 pounds medium or small fresh tomatoes, stems removed
1 medium head of garlic, cloves separated and peeled
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Kosher salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Arrange the stemmed tomatoes on large rimmed baking sheets, spreading them in a single layer.
Distribute the peeled garlic cloves among the tomatoes. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over everything and use your fingers to toss gently, coating all tomatoes and garlic evenly.
Scatter the torn fresh basil leaves over the top, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
Place in the preheated oven and roast for 4 hours, until the tomatoes have softened significantly, begun to collapse, and their edges show signs of caramelization. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature.
Working in batches, transfer the roasted tomatoes and garlic (along with any accumulated juices) to a blender. Pulse 2 to 3 times, then blend for approximately 1 minute, or until you reach your desired consistency—from chunky to smooth.
Transfer the sauce to clean quart-sized jars for refrigeration or portion into freezer bags and freeze flat for later use. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 4 months.
Comments
The stated 255 minutes is misleading—roasting takes 90-120 minutes mostly hands-off, with just 10 minutes of active prep, so budget 2 hours real time, not 4+. All six ingredients are standard at every Charlotte chain, and costs run $6–8 total, roughly $1.20–1.60 per serving, driven only by olive oil quality; budget grocery tomatoes work fine here. The dish is forgiving and scales easily for a family, though it's strictly same-night or next-day use—the sauce breaks down in flavor after two days in the fridge. A cornerstone weeknight recipe that rewards honesty about timing.
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