Name: easy šalša (croatian tomato sauce)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Croatian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp of olive oil; 1 tbsp of butter; 1 medium onion (peeled and chopped); 3 garlic cloves (peeled and minced); 1/2 tbsp of sugar; 1 tsp of paprika; 2 pounds of canned tomatoes; 2 tbsp of parsley (chopped); Salt and ground black pepper to taste

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Thick and flavorful Croatian tomato sauce from the Dalmatian coast. This easy šalša is simpler to make because we use canned tomatoes rather than fresh tomatoes as the base of the sauce. Serve over pasta or rice or use it to thicken soups and stews or as a dipping sauce. You will love this Croatian recipe.

croatian šalša in a white and black bowl

Table of Contents

What is Croatian Tomato Sauce?

Italy is not the only country with fantastic tomato sauce and pasta. In Croatia it is called Šalša or Paradajz Sos. This sauce is from the Dalmatian coast and is a delicious combination of tomatoes, olive oil, butter, onion, garlic, sugar and paprika, topped with parsley.

Easy šalša ingredients

Olive oil
Butter
Medium onion
Garlic cloves
Sugar
Paprika
Canned tomatoes
Parsley

How to make Croatian šalša step by step

Step 1 – Heat the olive oil and the butter in a medium sauce pan on medium heat.
Step 2 – Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes.
Step 3 – Add a pinch of salt, garlic and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until lightly browned.
Step 4 – Add the paprika and the sugar and cook for 2 minutes.
Step 5 – Pour in the canned tomatoes. When it starts to boil, reduce the heat.
Step 6 – Cook for 60 minutes while stirring time to time, especially at the end when the juice has evaporated.
Step 7 – Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 8 – Add the parsley.

Tips

This is a simple version of a Croatian šalša made with a base of canned tomatoes rather than fresh, which makes it easier to make all year long, even when tomatoes aren’t in season.

If making this sauce 100% from scratch with fresh tomatoes, we would recommend making this sauce in season with thick, fleshy, deep red, ripe tomatoes.

How to serve

This sauce is delicious generously poured over pasta (our favorite is spaghetti) or rice. You can also dip potatoes in the sauce which is very tasty!

The tomato sauce makes a great base for stews and soups and can even be served as a flavorful dip.

Make this Croatian tomato sauce your own (variations)

You can mix things up and make this sauce your own by adding carrots, celery, peppers, your favorite herbs, mint or basil.
To make a smoother sauce, use an immersion mixer to blend.

FAQs

What should I do if my sauce is too thick?

You can add a little water to your sauce to thin it.

Can I make this sauce without paprika?

Yes! We think that paprika adds a lovely smokey flavor to the sauce and remains true to Croatian cuisine, because paprika is used regularly in Croatian dishes. However, you can absolutely leave it out if you prefer.

Can I freeze the sauce?

Yes! Freezing the sauce would be a great way to keep your garden tomatoes for later.

How to make šalša for pasta

Just follow the recipe step by step. It is perfect for your pasta of choice – spaghetti, linguine or penne is perfect!

Sauce & Pasta Recipes on AHK