This Kirkland organic tomato sauce is already quite clean with simple ingredients and contains no seed oils, which is excellent. The main improvements in the DIY version are using premium organic tomato puree, replacing citric acid with fresh lemon juice for natural acidity, and specifying the 'organic spice' as a precise Italian herb blend.
Based on: Organic Tomato Sauce
· Makes approximately 32 servings
· Serving: 63g (about 1/4 cup)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Organic Tomato Sauce from Kirkland Signature often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
The original Organic Tomato Sauce may also contain artificial dyes. Check it on DyeFreeCheck to find out.
Ingredients
Organic tomato puree
2000g (about 4 cans of 28oz) · Muir Glen Organic Tomato Puree, 28 oz cans
Primary ingredient providing the tomato base and natural umami flavor
Fine sea salt
12g (about 1.5 tablespoons) · Redmond Real Salt Fine Sea Salt
Enhances flavor and acts as natural preservative to extend shelf life
Natural acidity regulator replacing citric acid, brightens flavor and aids preservation
Organic Italian seasoning blend
6g (about 2 tablespoons) · Simply Organic Italian Seasoning
Provides the authentic Italian herb flavor profile with oregano, basil, and garlic
Instructions
Step 1. Pour 2000g (about 4 cans) of organic tomato puree into a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Use a wooden spoon to stir and break up any chunks. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
Step 2. Add 12g (1.5 tablespoons) of fine sea salt and stir thoroughly for 2-3 minutes until completely dissolved. The salt will help concentrate flavors as the sauce reduces.
Step 3. Freshly squeeze 30ml (2 tablespoons) of lemon juice from organic lemons, straining out any seeds. Add to the sauce and stir well. This replaces the commercial citric acid with natural acidity.
Step 4. Measure 6g (2 tablespoons) of organic Italian seasoning and add to the pot. Stir constantly for 1 minute to bloom the herbs and release their essential oils. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5. Simmer the sauce uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until it reaches the desired consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still pour easily. Total volume should be about 2kg.
Step 6. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed. The sauce should have bright tomato flavor with balanced acidity and herb notes.
Step 7. Transfer to clean glass jars or containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. For storage, refrigerate immediately once cooled to room temperature.
Step 8. To use: Serve 63g (1/4 cup) portions as needed. The sauce works perfectly for pasta, pizza base, or as a cooking sauce for recipes calling for tomato sauce.
Storage
Store in refrigerator for up to 10 days in clean glass containers, or freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 6 months. Without commercial preservatives, this has a shorter shelf life but superior flavor and nutrition.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.58
Cost per serving (store-bought)$0.75
Savings23%
Initial investment is higher due to buying quality ingredients in bulk, but the per-serving cost becomes very economical. The real value is in avoiding preservatives and getting maximum nutrition from premium organic ingredients.