Fresh Grilled Tomato Marinara Sauce

By
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.
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Updated on 01/2/20
Tomato sauce in a pan
Michael Möller / EyeEm / Getty Images
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 25 mins
Servings: 8 servings

This is a fantastic way to add an extra level of deliciousness to a fresh marinara sauce. Grilling the tomatoes allows easy removal of the skin and infuses each piece with a light smoky flavor. This method is great for those looking to prepare homemade meals low in added sugars, which are often found in ​store-bought marinara sauces.

Ingredients

  • 14 tomatoes (medium-sized, firm)
  • 1/2 cup onion (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoons/15 mL fresh oregano (finely chopped)
  • 2-3 large basil leaves (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried pepper flakes

Steps to Make It

  1. Cut tomatoes in half and remove the stems.

  2. Using 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lightly brush the cut ends of the tomatoes.

  3. Place tomatoes cut side down on a preheated grill over a medium heat. Grill for about 5 minutes or until the tomatoes start to brown and you can easily lift the skin off. Remove from grill.

  4. Carefully, remove skins from tomatoes, lightly blend in a blender or food processor and set aside.

  5. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over a medium heat. Add onions. While stirring cook onions until they soften and turn translucent.

  6. Add remaining ingredients and stir together. Simmer on low for 10 to 15 minutes. Add water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Use Caution When Blending Hot Ingredients

Steam expands quickly in a blender, and can cause ingredients to splatter everywhere or cause burns. To prevent this, fill the blender only one-third of the way up, vent the top, and cover with a folded kitchen towel while blending.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
151 Calories
8g Fat
20g Carbs
4g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 151
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g 10%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 601mg 26%
Total Carbohydrate 20g 7%
Dietary Fiber 5g 18%
Protein 4g
Calcium 91mg 7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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