If there’s one thing that brings people together across cultures, cuisines, and generations, it’s a simmering pot of tomato sauce. For centuries, this humble, ruby-red staple has been at the heart of comfort food in kitchens all over the world. Today, the classic tomato sauce has gotten a plant-based glow-up—introducing the vegan tomato sauce: rich, flavorful, and endlessly versatile.
While tomato sauce has long been associated with Italian cooking, its story is anything but one-dimensional. From rustic Sicilian kitchens to vibrant Middle Eastern stews, the tomato has found its way into nearly every corner of global cuisine. And with more people embracing plant-based eating, homemade vegan tomato sauce is having a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.
A Quick Dip Into Tomato Sauce History
Believe it or not, tomatoes weren’t always a staple in European cuisine. Originally native to South America, tomatoes made their way to Europe in the 16th century, where they were first met with skepticism. Italy, now practically synonymous with tomato sauce, didn’t embrace the fruit fully until the late 17th to early 18th centuries.
By the 1800s, Italian chefs were simmering tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs—creating what we now recognize as the base for countless tomato sauces. As Italian immigrants spread around the world, so did their cooking traditions, turning homemade tomato sauce into a global comfort food. Today, that same tradition lives on—but with modern plant-based twists.
Why Vegan Tomato Sauce is a Modern-Day Essential
So what makes vegan tomato sauce so special? In a word: versatility. It’s one of those rare kitchen staples that checks all the boxes:
- Naturally vegan: No dairy, no meat, no problem. Just tomatoes, herbs, and a few simple aromatics.
- Budget-friendly: Made from pantry staples, it’s a cost-effective base for a variety of meals.
- Meal-prep approved: Make a big batch, freeze portions, and you’ve got dinner on deck for weeks.
- Diet-friendly: Gluten-free, sugar-free (if you want), low-fat, and packed with nutrients like lycopene.
But the real beauty of a great plant-based tomato sauce is how well it plays with others.
More Than Just Pasta: The Many Uses of Vegan Tomato Sauce
Yes, it’s amazing on spaghetti. But this isn’t just a pasta sauce—it’s your all-purpose, flavor-loaded building block for a huge variety of plant-based meals.
Eggplant Everything
Roast or grill slices of eggplant and spoon this rich sauce over the top for a simple yet satisfying meal. It’s a natural fit for classics like vegan eggplant parmesan or even Mediterranean-inspired dishes with olives and capers.
Hearty Tomato Soup
With just a little veggie broth and a splash of plant milk, vegan tomato sauce becomes a cozy, creamy soup. Add some grilled bread on the side and you’ve got the perfect comfort bowl.
Layered in Lasagna
There’s nothing like a bubbling vegan lasagna with layers of tofu ricotta, sautéed greens, noodles, and rich tomato sauce. It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget it’s entirely plant-based.
A Flavor Booster for Bowls
Think grain bowls, roasted veggie plates, or even lentil-based dishes. A few spoonfuls of vegan tomato sauce tie everything together, adding depth and warmth to even the simplest meals.
A Sauce That Adapts to Your Taste
Another reason to love homemade vegan tomato sauce? You can make it your own. Add chili flakes for an arrabbiata-style kick. Throw in roasted red peppers for sweetness. Mix in olives and capers for a puttanesca vibe. Whether you like it spicy, herby, smooth, or chunky—this sauce is a blank canvas.
In Every Culture, In Every Kitchen
Vegan tomato sauce isn’t just Italian. You’ll find versions of it in Moroccan tagines, Indian curries, Mexican salsas, and Greek moussaka. Tomatoes are universal, and their ability to soak up spices, herbs, and aromatics makes them the perfect partner for any cuisine.
Fantastic Tomato Sauce for Everyday
Equipment
- Pot
- Knife
- Copping Board
Ingredients
- 8 garlic cloves: sliced
- 3 Tablespoons oil (Olive, Sunflower, …)
- 1 kg canned Tomatoes
- 2 Tablespoon tomato paste
- Salz to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Chili optional for heat
- Soysauce for meaty taste imitation
- 15 g basil fresh
- 10 g oregano fresh
- 150 g Onions finely chopped
- 50 g cellery finely chopped
- 10 g Sugar or to taste
- 50 ml White Wine
- 3 g Rosmary about 2 Twigs
Instructions
Start with a Flavor Base
- Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Sweat the vegetables gently, stirring often, until they’re soft and just starting to turn golden. This builds the foundation for your rich homemade marinara sauce.
Roast the Tomato Paste
- Stir in the tomato paste and roast it for a couple of minutes until it darkens slightly—this enhances the umami and adds depth. Add a splash of water twice, letting it evaporate each time. This “dry roasting” method intensifies the tomato flavor and gives your slow-cooked tomato sauce that deep, restaurant-quality richness.
Deglaze with White Wine
- On the third splash, use white wine instead of water. Let the alcohol cook off completely. This step adds acidity and complexity, giving your tomato pasta sauce a gourmet twist.
Add the Canned Tomatoes
- Pour in your canned tomatoes (crushed or whole—just break them up if needed). Stir well and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Simmer to Perfection
- Let your homemade tomato sauce simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and become rich and flavorful as it reduces.
Finish with Herbs & Seasoning
- Stir in your fresh herbs in the last few minutes of cooking. Season the sauce to taste with salt, soy sauce (for that savory umami boost), and freshly cracked black pepper. If you love a kick, add chili flakes or chopped fresh chili to the whole pot—or let each person spice their plate individually.
Notes
Serving Ideas:
Use this homemade tomato sauce for pasta, lasagna, eggplant parmesan, or even as a tomato pizza sauce base. It’s incredibly versatile, naturally vegan, and freezer-friendly.Tomato Sauce Recipe Tips:
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for a truly authentic Italian flavor.
- Make a big batch and freeze it in portions—you’ll thank yourself later.
- Soy sauce might sound odd, but it deepens the flavor like magic. Try it!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re plant-based full-time or just exploring more vegan-friendly meals, a well-made tomato sauce is the ultimate essential. It’s rich in history, easy to adapt, and endlessly useful in the kitchen. Once you start using vegan tomato sauce as more than just pasta topping, you’ll realize: it’s not just a sauce—it’s the foundation of a plant-powered kitchen.