When winter arrives and the days grow shorter, many of us crave comforting, homemade meals that warm both body and soul. While jars of store-bought sauce can be convenient, nothing quite compares to the bright, fresh flavour of a homemade tomato sauce — especially one you can whip up in just 20 minutes. Even in winter, when tomatoes aren’t at their peak, this simple recipe transforms humble ingredients into a sauce you’ll actually want to make again and again.
Winter cooking is all about finding comfort in the kitchen without spending hours at the stove. A quick, fresh tomato sauce can bring life to your favourite pastas, serve as a base for homemade pizzas, or elevate a simple piece of chicken or fish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility and its ability to deliver bold, rich flavour with minimal effort.
While summer tomatoes are unbeatable, winter calls for a slightly different approach. Look for canned whole San Marzano tomatoes — they’re reliably sweet and packed with flavour. If you happen to find decent fresh cherry tomatoes in your market, those can also work beautifully when roasted first. The key is to use the best quality tomatoes available to you.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely sliced
- 1 can (400g) whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes (or 500g fresh cherry tomatoes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
How to Make It
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until just golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- If using canned tomatoes, crush them gently with your hands or a fork. Add the tomatoes (and their juices) to the skillet. If using fresh cherry tomatoes, roast them in the oven at 200°C for 10–15 minutes first, then add them to the skillet.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Simmer the sauce gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavours deepen.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. If the sauce is too acidic, add a small pinch of sugar.
- Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
How to Use It
This 20-minute tomato sauce is as versatile as it is delicious. Toss it with your favourite pasta, spoon it over grilled chicken, or use it as a base for homemade pizza. It’s also fantastic layered into lasagna or served with polenta. For an even richer version, finish the sauce with a knob of butter for extra silkiness.
In the heart of winter, having a quick, homemade tomato sauce recipe in your back pocket is a true kitchen gift. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of your time, you can create a sauce that’s bursting with warmth and flavour. The next time you find yourself craving a comforting meal, skip the jar and make this 20-minute fresh tomato sauce — it might just become your new winter favourite.
