Slow-Roasted Tomato Sauce with Balsamic Reduction
A deeply concentrated tomato sauce made by slow-roasting fresh tomatoes with herbs and a touch of balsamic, perfect for pasta or grain bowls. This italian-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 150 minutes blends ripe tomatoes, olive oil, red onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 75 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, quartered ripe tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, thinly sliced red onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Place 2 lbs quartered tomatoes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 2: Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, add 1 medium thinly sliced red onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Toss gently to coat, then roast for 2 hours until tomatoes are collapsed and deeply caramelized, stirring once halfway through.
- Step 4: Transfer mixture to a blender and blend until smooth, adding 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar.
- Step 5: Return to a saucepan and simmer uncovered over low heat for 15 minutes until thickened to a sauce consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Roasted Tomato Sauce with Balsamic Reduction take to make?
Total time is about 150 minutes (15 min prep + 135 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Tomato Sauce with Balsamic Reduction?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Tomato Sauce with Balsamic Reduction?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow-Roasted Tomato Sauce with Balsamic Reduction for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Slow-Roasted Tomato Sauce with Balsamic Reduction vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
