🍅 Light Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe – Healthy, Fresh & Easy
This Light Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe is a healthy, homemade alternative to store-bought marinara. Made with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil, it’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and full of vibrant flavor. Perfect for pasta, pizza, grain bowls, or as a dipping sauce, and ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 6 fresh Roma tomatoes or 4 cups chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves loosely packed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 small yellow onion diced
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes or 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Blanch the TomatoesBring a pot of water to boil. Score an “X” at the base of each tomato. Boil for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. Peel, core, and chop.Sauté the GarlicIn a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic (and onion if using). Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.Simmer the TomatoesAdd chopped tomatoes. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.Blend and FinishStir in basil once the heat is off. Blend using an immersion blender or regular blender to desired texture.Season and ServeAdd salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or balsamic. Serve warm or refrigerate.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in 2 tbsp cashew cream with lemon.
- Great for batch cooking — freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Use as a base for pasta, pizza, or zucchini ground beef casserole.