Classic Tomato Sauce (Domates Sosu)

25 minTotal time
EasyDifficulty
80kcal / serving

Ingredients

For 1 serving

Ingredient substitutions

  • Fresh tomatoes About 1 cup canned chopped tomatoes, including their juice
  • Dried oregano An equal amount of dried marjoram
  • Fresh basil leaves A small pinch of dried basil

Nutrition per serving

Estimated values for 1 serving, 80 kcal

Protein2 g
Carbohydrates10 g
Fat4 g

Fiber 2 g · Sugar 6 g · Sodium 250 mg

PDF Find nearby

A rich and flavorful Turkish-inspired tomato sauce perfect for pasta, rice, or as a base for many dishes. This sauce balances fresh tomatoes with aromatic herbs and a touch of garlic.

Turkish

Steps

  1. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, avoiding burning.
  4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, and oregano.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to reach desired consistency.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves if desired.
  9. Serve warm as a sauce over your favorite dishes.

Tips for Classic Tomato Sauce (Domates Sosu)

  • A good finished sauce looks glossy and coats a spoon, with softened tomato pieces still visible.
  • Use a nonreactive saucepan to preserve the tomatoes’ clean flavor; a wooden spoon makes gentle stirring easy.
  • For make-ahead cooking, prepare it earlier the same day and let the flavors settle before serving.

Drink pairing

A crisp, dry rosé
Its fresh acidity complements the ripe tomatoes and herbs without overpowering the light sauce.

0% option: Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in a covered container and use within 3–4 days. Reheat until steaming hot, adding a little water if it has thickened.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell when the sauce is done?

It should look glossy and slightly thickened, with the tomatoes softened and the flavors tasting rounded rather than raw.

Can I make this sauce ahead?

Yes. Make it earlier the same day, cool promptly, and refrigerate; warm it until steaming hot before serving.

What can I serve this sauce with?

It works over pasta or rice, and can also accompany roasted vegetables or cooked grains.
You May Also Like
Rich Turkish Tomato Sauce
Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce with Whole Grain Spaghetti
Savory Beef Meatballs with Fresh Tomato Sauce
Chicken with Nut and Olive Tomato Sauce
Sautéed Chicken with Caramelized Onion and Tomato Sauce
Arab Nutty Rice with Tomato Onion Sauce
Garlic Turkey Pasta with Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce
Turkish Quinoa Bowl
Middle Eastern Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Octopus with Fennel & Tomato Sauce