When summer comes and fresh tomatoes are at their best, I’m captivated by all the different kinds I find at my local farmers’ market. I can’t resist trying all of the heirloom varieties, from chocolate brown to striped green to sunny yellow. And I usually buy way too many: pear shape, round, big, and small. That’s when I make this easy sauce by
tossing them all together and roasting them until tender. The sauce is a little different every time, but it’s always wonderful. Toss with pasta, or slather on grilled bread for an easy appetizer.

Roasted Tomato Sauce is a rich and flavorful sauce that is created by slow-roasting fresh tomatoes to intensify their natural sweetness and deepen their flavors. This sauce is a wonderful way to make the most of ripe tomatoes, and it adds a delicious depth to a variety of dishes. By roasting the tomatoes along with garlic, olive oil, and a touch of crushed red pepper, the sauce develops a robust and caramelized taste that is both satisfying and versatile. The addition of shredded fresh basil just before serving adds a bright and herbaceous note that beautifully complements the roasted tomato flavors. Whether used as a pasta sauce, a base for pizza, or a condiment for grilled meats, Roasted Tomato Sauce is a delightful way to enjoy the vibrant essence of tomatoes in a warm and comforting manner.

Makes about 3 cups

INGREDIENTS

• 2½ pounds mixed tomatoes, such as round, plum, grape, and cherry, chopped into ½-inch pieces
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• Salt
• Pinch of crushed red pepper
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup shredded fresh basil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Oil a 13- ×-9- ×-2-inch baking dish.
2. Toss the tomatoes, garlic, salt to taste, red pepper, and oil in the baking dish. Spread the tomatoes out evenly.
3. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the tomatoes are lightly browned.
4. Just before serving, sprinkle the tomatoes with the basil and toss well.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

1. Pasta: Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Top it with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a simple and satisfying meal.
2. Pizza: Use the sauce as a base for homemade pizza. Spread it over the pizza dough and top with your preferred toppings, such as mozzarella, olives, mushrooms, or pepperoni. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted for a delicious homemade pizza.
3. Bruschetta: Spoon the sauce onto toasted baguette slices and drizzle with a little olive oil. Serve as an appetizer or snack for a burst of tomato flavor.
4. Ratatouille: Incorporate the sauce into a traditional ratatouille dish. Layer thinly sliced eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions in a baking dish, and spread the sauce between the layers. Bake until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
5. Meatballs: Simmer cooked meatballs in the sauce to infuse them with the rich roasted tomato flavors. Serve them over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as a standalone dish.
6. Stuffed Vegetables: Fill hollowed-out bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms with the sauce, top with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake until the vegetables are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly.
7. Grain Bowls: Use the sauce as a dressing or topping for grain bowls. Combine cooked grains like quinoa, couscous, or farro with roasted vegetables, protein of choice, and a dollop of the roasted tomato sauce for a satisfying and healthy meal.

Feel free to experiment and get creative with Roasted Tomato Sauce. It pairs well with a variety of ingredients and can elevate the flavors of numerous dishes. Enjoy!