Tomate Frito: The Heart of Spanish Cooking – A Flavorful Tomato Sauce Recipe

Servings: 4 Total Time: 40 mins Difficulty: Beginner
A rich and aromatic Spanish tomato sauce, slow-cooked to perfection with olive oil, garlic, and onion.
Tomate Frito: The Heart of Spanish Cooking – A Flavorful Tomato Sauce Recipe pinit

Tomate Frito is more than just a sauce; it’s a taste of Spanish tradition. With its rich flavor and versatility, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!

Tomate Frito: The Heart of Spanish Cooking – A Flavorful Tomato Sauce Recipe

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 40 mins
Cooking Temp: 175  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 6 Calories: 120
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year, Summer, Fall

Description

Tomate Frito, meaning 'fried tomato' in Spanish, is a foundational sauce in Spanish cuisine. Unlike quick-simmered tomato sauces, this version is slowly fried in olive oil with garlic and onion, resulting in a deep, sweet flavor. It's versatile—perfect for pasta, rice, stews, or even as a dip.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tomatoes:

    • Score a small 'X' at the bottom of each tomato. Place them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. Peel off the skins, remove seeds, and chop or blend the flesh.

     

    •  

  1. Sauté Aromatics:

     Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until golden and fragrant.

  1. Cook Tomatoes:

    Add the prepared tomatoes to the pan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    •  

  1. Season:

    •  Add salt, black pepper, and the bay leaf. If the sauce tastes too acidic, stir in the optional sugar.

    •  

  1. Blend (Optional):

    • For a smoother sauce, blend using an immersion blender or regular blender. For a chunkier texture, leave as is.

    •  

  1. Final Simmer:

     Return the sauce to the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes to thicken. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Note

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tomate Frito over pasta, rice, or grilled meats. It's also delicious as a dip for crusty bread or as a topping for eggs.

Keywords: Tomate Frito Spanish Tomato Sauce Homemade Tomato Sauce Mediterranean Cooking
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Q: Is Tomate Frito the same as regular tomato sauce?

No, Tomate Frito is slowly fried with olive oil, garlic, and onion, giving it a richer, deeper flavor compared to regular tomato sauce.

Q: Can I make Tomate Frito ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

Q: Can I customize the flavor?

Absolutely! Add herbs like oregano or thyme, a splash of red wine, or a pinch of smoked paprika to tailor the sauce to your taste.

Alee Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Alee — a full-time food blogger, proud mom of two beautiful daughters, and a happy wife. I live in New Jersey with my wonderful family. I’m passionate about traveling, discovering and sharing new recipes, and cherishing quality time with my loved ones.

 

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