Sauce
Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce
On December 10, 2023 by userMaking tomato sauce in a slow cooker is a convenient and hands-off way to develop rich flavors. Here’s a simple slow cooker tomato sauce recipe:
Ingredients:
- 10-12 ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of whole tomatoes, crushed)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they are softened.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned crushed tomatoes) to the slow cooker.
- Season: Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish (Optional): Just before serving, stir in fresh parsley and basil for added freshness.
- Serve: Use the slow cooker tomato sauce over your favorite pasta, as a pizza sauce, or as a base for various dishes.
This slow cooker tomato sauce is versatile and can be customized with additional herbs or spices according to your taste. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop, resulting in a rich and delicious sauce.