Eggplant Tomato Sauce

If you're looking for a simple yet delicious recipe, this Eggplant Tomato Sauce is the perfect dish! With its blend of fresh ingredients, an explosion of flavors, and a touch of Italian flair, this is sure to become a family favorite!

About the Recipe

This recipe is a delicious blend of sautéed eggplant, juicy cherry tomatoes, and flavorful garlic, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. 

The combination of fresh ingredients and Italian seasonings creates a combination of flavors that's both comforting and satisfying.

This sauce is reminiscent of pasta all norma, but features fresh tomatoes and doesn't call for ricotta salata. You're welcome to include either in the recipe if you wish!

You can enjoy this sauce with pasta, chicken, or roasted vegetables. It’s versatile, delicious and a great go-to option for any home cook looking for a simple and flavorful dish!

We love serving this with an Italian chopped salad, and it pairs heat with red or white wine!

If you are looking for more eggplant recipes, check out our:  Miso Eggplant, Sautéed Eggplant or Air Fryer Eggplant.

Jump to:

• About the Recipe
• Why You'll Love this Recipe
• Ingredients
• Directions
• Expert Tips and Tricks
• Kitchen Equipment
• Recipe Substitutions/Variations
• What To Serve With
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Recipe Storage and Reheating
• Other Recipes to Try
• Eggplant Tomato Sauce

Why You'll Love this Recipe

Simple - This recipe is a breeze to make! It is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Versatile - You can pair it with pasta for a hearty meal, serve it over chicken for a protein-packed dinner, or use it to elevate roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless!

Delicious - The sautéed eggplant, garlic, and Italian seasonings create a medley of delicious, comforting flavors. It has that homemade comfort food feel that warms the heart. 

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need for this eggplant sauce: 

• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Eggplant: For best results, dry eggplant with paper towels before cooking to reduce excess moisture.
• Garlic cloves
• Tomatoes: I used cherry tomatoes, but you could use Roma tomatoes, plum tomatoes, or any kind of chopped tomatoes in this recipe.
• Salt & black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Tomato sauce: You can also use marinara sauce or tomato paste.
• Basil: Use fresh basil for the best flavor and color.

Directions

Let's make this delicious sauce together! 

Step 1: In a large sauce pot, heat three tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant and sauté for 10 minutes, until golden brown.

Step 2: Add the garlic, cherry tomatoes, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and sautê for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the garlic does not burn. 

Step 3: Add the tomato sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes. 

Step 4: Top with basil. Serve and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Here are some expert tips to make this eggplant tomato sauce recipe:

Simmering time - Allow the sauce to simmer for the full 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a richer, more flavorful sauce.

Season to taste - Don't hesitate to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a bit more salt or Italian seasoning, feel free to add it gradually and taste as you go.

Utilize leftovers - This dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld. It makes for fantastic leftovers or meal prep.

Smooth sauce - If you like a smooth pasta sauce instead of a thick sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce together.

Work in batches - If you're working with a smaller pan, work in batches! Sauté half of the eggplant, then remove from pan and sauté remaining eggplant before continuing the recipe. You can also use a sheet pan to make roasted eggplant and add to the pan instead of sautéing. 

Kitchen Equipment

Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this simple recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.

Quality Stock Pot - I have this stock pot and I love using it for sauces such as this one. It distributes heat so well and will last!

Large Serving Bowl - Use a large serving bowl and serve this family style, just like they do in Italy!

Recipe Substitutions/Variations

Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this simple eggplant tomato sauce.

Herbs - Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary for a different herbaceous note.

Heat - For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

What To Serve With

Here are some recipes to serve alongside this recipe:

Garlic Parmesan Mashed Butternut Squash: This super easy Garlic Parmesan Mashed Butternut Squash will be your new favorite fall side dish! This recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or even a holiday side dish.

Italian Cheese Bread: Cheesy garlic herb butter pull apart bread is the perfect easy appetizer! This easy cheesy bread appetizer is perfect for any size gathering.

Sautéed Sweet Potatoes: This super easy sautéed sweet potatoes recipe is the perfect flavor packed side dish. They're my favorite way to make sweet potatoes!

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Storage and Reheating

Here are storage and reheating instructions for this eggplant recipe.

Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.

Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.

Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a saucepan over low heat until warm.

Other Recipes to Try