There are some recipes that bring you back to your childhood, and this summer sauce recipe is absolutely one of them. I will never forget the way my grandmother made this: whole tomatoes, oil, garlic, basil, and a touch of salt. It’s literally that easy. Simple recipes such as this summer sauce will always reign supreme, especially when things can get very complicated so easily.

Summer Sauce

One of the reasons I love this summer sauce so much is because it’s made with simple, easy, and accessible ingredients. I guarantee you have oil in your home, as well as garlic, a can of whole peeled tomatoes, or even fresh tomatoes that have been lingering in your crisper drawer in the fridge. This is virtually all you need! Having fresh basil (and maybe a little bit of oregano) is a nice touch too, but totally unnecessary if you don’t have it nor want to get it from the store.

What can I use this sauce for?

Making this recipe will fill your home with delicious rustic aromas, no matter the season! If you're keen on making this a full meal, you can easily pair this sauce with:

• Grilled, pan seared, or breaded chicken
• Fish
• Over pasta (as written in this recipe)
• Roasted vegetables

No matter what you pair this sauce with, you'll love it, and find any excuse to make it again and again.

Kitchen tools

What I truly love about this sauce is the minimal kitchen tools you need to make. All you need is listed below:

• Large pan: You will make the entire sauce in this pan, so you literally do not need much more than that.
• Wooden spatula

Ingredients:

• Roma tomatoes, quartered (or whole peeled tomatoes from a can): These simmer down very nicely!
• Garlic: Feel free to chop at least 3 or 4 cloves, but be sure not to mince or finely chop.
• Olive oil: You'll need a few tablespoons for this dish.
• Basil: Fresh basil is preferred
• Salt
• Fresh oregano (optional)

Directions:

You won't believe how easy this sauce is to put together start to finish!

1. Rinse and prep your tomatoes: slice lengthwise to make two halves, then slice again to make quarters. Remember to keep the skin on!
2. Finely slice the garlic cloves and set aside.
3. In a large pot, heat the tablespoons of oil on a medium-high heat. Add the tomatoes to the pan, toss them in the oil to coat and cover, lowering the flame to medium. Let the tomatoes sweat and “stew” down for approximately 5-6 minutes.
4. The tomatoes will begin to separate from the skins, this is what we want! Add in the garlic, salt, and cover again.
5. As the tomatoes begin to soften, use tongs to lightly press into each tomato to create a “sauce” – the tomatoes will turn very soft and start to resemble a tomato sauce.
6. Take the basil leaves and roll them on a cutting board; slice them into thin strips and add to the tomato sauce. Lower the flame to a simmer and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Swaps and Tips:

Can I use a different type of tomato for this recipe?

You very well can, I prefer Roma tomatoes because they break down easily.

Do I need to use fresh basil?

I prefer the fresh basil as it adds flavor and aromas as it cooks, but if you only have dried, that works too!

I made too much, what do I do with the rest?

You can put the remainder of the sauce into a freezer-friendly container and store in the freezer for another day. Be sure to thaw the night before or the morning you'd like to use it.

Hungry for more?

Check out these other amazing family recipes, meant to warm your heart like it does mine:

• Grandma Margie's Mandel Bread
• Sweet and Sour Chicken