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tomato sauce

tomato sauce

Tomato sauce, perfect for everyday meals. Homemade, light and packed with flavor—easy to prepare and freeze. Try it now!
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Total Time 41 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 55
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 unit ripe tomatoes peeled and chopped
  • 1 unit onion small, finely chopped
  • 2 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 5 leaf fresh basil optional

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring often, without letting it brown.
  4. Add the peeled and chopped tomatoes. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic.
  5. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. If using, add the fresh basil leaves now or at the end.
  6. Simmer uncovered over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes until the sauce thickens and the tomatoes break down.
  7. If a smoother sauce is desired, blend with a hand blender until it reaches your desired consistency.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite pasta, store in the refrigerator, or freeze for later use.

Notes

Tomato sauce is a kitchen staple in Italian and international cuisine, celebrated for its richness, versatility, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re topping pasta, pizza, or using it as a base for soups and stews, a homemade tomato sauce brings a fresh touch to any meal.

Practical Tips for Perfect Sauce

Using ripe, quality tomatoes makes all the difference in achieving a robust flavor. If tomatoes aren’t quite at their peak, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. To enhance depth, some cooks sauté a finely chopped carrot or celery stalk with the onion; it sweetens the sauce naturally.
If you’re short on time, canned whole peeled tomatoes can be a great alternative—just choose the best quality you can find and crush them by hand for a rustic texture.

Preparation Tricks

To make your sauce shine, cook it slow and low. Simmering uncovered allows excess moisture to evaporate, concentrating flavors. Stir occasionally and avoid high heat to prevent burning. If you prefer a silky texture, blend the sauce at the end, but if you love chunks of tomato, leave it as is.
For added aroma, fresh basil is best added at the end of cooking to preserve its bright flavor. Don’t hesitate to play with herbs: try a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat or rosemary for earthiness.

Serving & Variations

Homemade tomato sauce is the perfect match for classic spaghetti or homemade meatballs. Make a quick eggplant parmigiana, or use it as a layering sauce for lasagna. For a richer, heartier result, stir in a splash of cream or a handful of grated Parmigiano.
This sauce also freezes beautifully—divide into meal-sized portions and store for up to three months. Nothing beats the convenience and flavor of reaching for your own homemade sauce on a busy evening!