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Tomato sauce

tomato sauce

Tomato sauce recipe with natural ingredients. Prepare a light, flavorful sauce perfect for quick and healthy meals at home!
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Total Time 41 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 90
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 unit ripe tomatoes medium size, chopped
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 unit small onion finely chopped
  • 2 clove garlic minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 6 leaf fresh basil chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic and sauté for 1 minute, making sure it does not burn.
  4. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan, stir well and cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Season with salt, black pepper and sugar (if using). Mix thoroughly.
  6. Lower the heat, cover partially, and let the sauce simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until it thickens. Stir occasionally.
  7. When done, add the fresh basil, mix, and adjust seasonings to taste.
  8. Serve warm, garnished with extra basil if desired.

Notes

Homemade tomato sauce is a culinary staple for a reason—its incredible versatility and rich, natural flavor elevate everything from simple pastas to hearty stews. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this sauce provides a delicious base for an array of comforting dishes and is a perfect way to use up fresh, ripe tomatoes.

Practical Tips for Perfect Tomato Sauce

  • Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes. If fresh tomatoes are out of season, opt for high-quality canned whole tomatoes to maintain the sauce’s robust taste.
  • Don’t skip sautéing the onions and garlic: Sweating these aromatics in olive oil brings out their sweetness and lays the foundation for a more complex sauce.
  • If your tomatoes are too acidic, a pinch of sugar will balance the flavors. Start small—you can always add more, but too much sugar will overpower the sauce’s natural freshness.
  • For velvety smooth texture, blend the finished sauce with an immersion blender, or pass it through a food mill. This is a great trick if your tomatoes have tough skins or you prefer a silky finish.
  • Adjust herbs to your liking: Fresh basil is classic, but oregano or thyme add a rustic touch. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but always add them earlier in the cooking process for best flavor.

Technique Insights

  • Allow the sauce to simmer gently and uncovered for the last 10 minutes—this concentrates flavors and thickens the sauce without burning.
  • Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust—a splash more olive oil or an extra basil leaf can make all the difference before serving.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

  • Classic pairings: Toss with spaghetti, layer in lasagna, or spoon over grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.
  • For a heartier option, stir in cooked Italian sausage or sautéed mushrooms for extra depth and protein.
  • Turn it into pizza sauce by simmering a little longer and seasoning with dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Leftovers freeze beautifully—store in small portions for quick meals or as a base for minestrone soup.
Let this sauce be your canvas—experiment, personalize, and enjoy the time-honored joy of homemade tomato sauce in your kitchen!