Tomate Frito Recipe

Written by: Vladimir Lapshin

Key Takeaways

• Deep Flavor: Cooking the tomatoes slowly with olive oil, garlic, and onions makes this sauce naturally sweet and full of flavor.
• Great for Many Dishes: You can serve it with any of your favorite dishes. Use it with pasta, rice, meats, and seafood.
• Healthier at Home: Homemade tomate frito has no preservatives, making it a better option than store-bought sauces.
• Easy to Customize: Tomate frito recipe is very customizable. You can add herbs, spices, or even a little red wine to make it your own.

What is tomate frito

Tomate Frito means ‘fried tomato’ in Spanish. It is a slow cooked tomato sauce that is an important part of Spanish and Mediterranean cooking. Unlike regular tomato sauce, which is often quickly simmered, tomate frito is fried in olive oil first, which makes it thicker and tastier.

This sauce is used in many dishes, like Spanish paella, stews, and pasta. You can also spread it on bread or serve it with grilled vegetables. The slow cooking process helps bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and makes the sauce richer.

How to Tomate Frito Recipe

The secret to a great tomate frito recipe is using fresh, ripe tomatoes and taking your time to cook them properly. Slow frying and simmering help bring out the best flavors. I have given detailed step by step instructions to make this tasty and flavorful tomate frito recipe. 

Tomate Frito Recipe

Recipe by Recipe Blossom

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: SauceCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories per serving

120

kcal

Total time

40

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• Ripe tomatoes – 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs)

• Olive oil – 3 tablespoons

• Garlic cloves (minced) – 2

• Onion (finely chopped) – 1 small

• Sugar (optional) – 1 teaspoon

• Salt – 1/2 teaspoon

• Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon

• Bay leaf – 1

Step by Step Instructions

• Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes and cut a small ‘X’ at the bottom. Put them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then move them to a bowl of ice water. This will help remove the skins easily. After peeling, remove the seeds and chop or blend the tomatoes.
• Cook the Garlic and Onion: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Stir them until they turn golden and smell delicious.
• Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the chopped or blended tomatoes and stir well. Let them simmer over medium low heat for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir every few minutes so the sauce does not stick to the pan.
• Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and the bay leaf. If the tomatoes taste too sour, mix in a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavor.
• Blend the Sauce (Optional): If you like a super smooth sauce, use a blender or an immersion blender. If you prefer it chunky, you can leave it as is.
• Final Cooking: Return the sauce to the pan and let it cook for 5 more minutes until it thickens. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
• Serve and Store: Use this tómate frito sauce right away or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it in small portions for later use.

Equipment

• 
  Large pot
• 
  Mixing bowl
• 
  Knife
• 
  Cutting board
• 
  Saucepan
• 
  Wooden spoon

Recipe Video

Chef Recommendations

• Use the Best Tomatoes: Choose vine ripened or Roma tomatoes because they have a natural sweetness and a firm texture. They also have less water, which helps make the sauce thick and flavorful. If possible, use organic or fresh tomatoes for the best results.
• Cook Slowly for Better Flavor: Letting the sauce simmer slowly on low heat makes the tomatoes break down naturally, creating a sweet and rich taste. Cooking longer also reduces acidity, making the sauce smoother.
• Add Extra Ingredients for More Flavor: A little smoked paprika can give the fritar tomate sauce a warm, slightly smoky taste. You can also try adding roasted red bell peppers or dried oregano for more depth.

Tips For Making Perfect Tomate Frito

• Choose Good Olive Oil: Olive oil is a key ingredient in fritar tomate sauce, so using extra virgin olive oil will give the sauce the best taste.
• Decide on the Texture: If you like a chunkier sauce, mash the tomatoes instead of blending them. For a super smooth sauce, strain it through a fine mesh sieve.
• Make a Big Batch: This tómate frito sauce freezes well, so you can make extra and store it for later.

The Nutrition Facts

Disclaimer: Nutrition data for this recipe was calculated using the Recipe Blossom Nutrition Calculator. It’s designed to provide a reliable estimate of calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients based on standard ingredients and portion sizes.

However, actual values may vary depending on brands, substitutions, or preparation methods. For medically tailored nutrition advice, we recommend consulting with a registered dietitian or qualified healthcare provider.

The Nutritional Benefits

• Packed with Antioxidants: Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is great for your health and helps protect your body’s cells.
• Heart Healthy Fats: Olive oil provides healthy fats that support heart health and overall wellness.
• Low in Calories, High in Nutrients: This sauce is light but full of vitamins C and K, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

FAQs