Description
A classic, versatile tomato sauce recipe that is quick and easy to prepare, packed with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and a rich, comforting flavor. Perfect for enhancing a wide variety of dishes from pasta to dips, this sauce is adaptable to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar (to reduce acidity)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Wash and peel the tomatoes, then chop them into chunks. Mince the garlic, finely chop the onion and basil to ensure they release their full flavor during cooking.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan, stirring well to break down the tomatoes and release their juices. Simmer uncovered on low-medium heat for 20-30 minutes to thicken the sauce and deepen the flavors.
- Season and finish: Stir in fresh basil, salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or pulse gently in a blender.
- Serve or store: Use the tomato sauce immediately in your favorite dishes, or cool completely and store in airtight containers for later use.
Notes
- Use ripe tomatoes for the richest flavor and natural sweetness.
- Simmer the sauce gently and slowly to concentrate flavors without burning.
- Blanch and peel tomatoes quickly for a smoother sauce texture.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve aroma and brightness.
- Adjust acidity by adding a pinch of sugar if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sauces
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg