Remove from heat. Discard any large herbs or rind.
Serve over freshly cooked pasta with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Or store in jars in the fridge for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 6 months.
🍝 Serving Ideas
Don’t stop at spaghetti. Here’s how to use this versatile sauce:
Eggplant Parmesan: Layer it between fried eggplant and cheese.
Shakshuka: Crack eggs into the simmering sauce and poach.
Pizza Sauce: Spread it on your favorite dough.
Stuffed Peppers: Mix it with rice and meat for an epic filling.
Baked Ziti: Combine with cooked pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella, then bake.
♻️ Why This Recipe Matters (Beyond Flavor)
🌍 Zero-Waste Cooking
Overripe doesn’t mean inedible. In fact, this recipe proves those “almost bad” tomatoes are actually perfect for cooking. You’re saving food from the trash and transforming it into gold.
💰 Budget-Friendly
If you’ve ever grown your own tomatoes, you know how quickly they can pile up. This is the best way to make use of the extras. Farmers markets often sell seconds (slightly bruised or overripe tomatoes) at a discount — grab them!
🧠 Empowering Skill
Knowing how to cook by instinct, by feel, and by taste — especially with imperfect ingredients — is next-level kitchen confidence.
👩🍳 Variations & Customizations
This base recipe is endlessly customizable. Here are some directions you can go:
Creamy Version
Add 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
Stir in goat cheese or cream cheese for extra tang.
Spicy Arrabbiata
Double the red pepper flakes.
Add chopped Calabrian chilis or fresh chili paste.
Smoky Roasted Tomato Sauce
Roast tomatoes, garlic, and onions in the oven at 400°F for 30–40 mins.
Blend and simmer with the rest of the ingredients.
Meaty Bolognese
Brown ground beef, pork, or turkey before adding the onions.
Simmer sauce as above for a hearty meat version.
Chunky Garden Sauce
Add zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant, or bell pepper during the simmering stage for extra veggies.
🔁 Batch Cooking & Preservation
