Molho de Tomate Brasileiro (Base do Dia a Dia)
Brazilian tomato sauce is not a “Sunday sauce.”
It’s everyday food — quick, practical, and cooked to support meals, not to be the center of attention.
In Brazilian home kitchens, this sauce appears constantly: over rice, mixed into beans, folded into shredded chicken, spooned over meat, or used as a base for stews and fillings. It’s not meant to simmer for hours or carry layers of herbs. It’s meant to work.
This recipe reflects how tomato sauce is actually prepared at home in Brazil: simple ingredients, one pan, balanced acidity, and a texture that adapts easily to different dishes.
About this sauce
Brazilian tomato sauce is lighter and more neutral than many Italian-style sauces. Garlic and onion form the base, tomatoes provide freshness and color, and seasoning stays restrained so the sauce can be reused across meals.
Outside Brazil, tomato sauces are often either heavily seasoned or overly reduced. At home, Brazilians usually aim for a sauce that is:
- smooth but not puréed
- gently cooked
- flexible enough to pair with rice, beans, meat, pasta, or vegetables
This is a base recipe, not a finished pasta sauce.
Before you start
- Fresh tomatoes are traditional, but canned tomatoes are widely used and perfectly acceptable.
- This sauce is not sweet. Sugar is not standard in Brazilian cooking and should only be used if tomatoes are extremely acidic.
- Texture matters more than intensity. The sauce should coat, not dominate.
Ingredients prepared before cooking
Brazilian Tomato Sauce (Everyday)
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and salt. Stir well.
- Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens.
- Add a small amount of water only if the sauce becomes too dry.
- Adjust seasoning and remove from heat.
- Let the sauce rest for a few minutes before using — it thickens slightly as it cools.
Notes
- This sauce is intentionally mild so it can be reused in many dishes.
- Avoid overcooking; it should taste fresh, not jam-like.
- If using canned tomatoes, choose plain crushed tomatoes with no added seasoning.
- Herbs are optional and should not overpower the sauce.
Equipment used
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How Brazilians usually use this
- Mixed into white rice
- As a base for beans
- Combined with shredded chicken or ground beef
- Used in stews, fillings, and casseroles
- As a light pasta sauce for quick meals
It’s rarely served on its own.
Storage & reheating
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Freeze in small portions for up to 2 months
- Reheat gently over low heat
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About The Brazilian Table
Practical Brazilian food, adapted for everyday kitchens outside Brazil.