Description
This quick homemade tomato sauce recipe is elevated by a creamy spiced feta swirl, offering a rich, comforting, and healthy meal in under 30 minutes. The tangy feta provides a perfect contrast to the savory tomato base, transforming a simple dish into a flavorful show-stopper perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 30 mL extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 60 g tomato paste
- 800 g crushed tomatoes
- 5 mL dried oregano
- 5 mL dried basil
- 5 mL granulated sugar
- 5 mL fine sea salt
- 2.5 mL freshly ground black pepper
- 120 mL water or vegetable broth
- 200 g block feta cheese, crumbled
- 30 mL extra virgin olive oil (for feta)
- 15 mL water (for feta)
- 2.5 mL smoked paprika
- 1.25 mL red pepper flakes (optional)
- Small handful fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Pinch smoked paprika, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 30 mL olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 6-8 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes more until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, sugar, salt, pepper, and 120 mL water or broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for at least 20-25 minutes, or up to 45 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Whip Feta Swirl: While the sauce simmers, combine the crumbled feta, 30 mL olive oil, 15 mL water, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth and creamy; add extra water or oil if needed for consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasonings in the sauce. Ladle the hot sauce into bowls, dollop generously with the creamy feta swirl, and garnish with fresh basil and smoked paprika before serving.
Notes
For a smoother sauce texture, puree with an immersion blender after simmering. If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of baking soda to neutralize it. The feta swirl should be prepared separately and added just before serving; do not freeze the feta mixture as it changes the texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: homemade sauce, tomato sauce, feta, pasta sauce, vegetarian, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, quick recipe