Simple Basic Tomato Sauce: My Everyday Kitchen Secret (Print Version)
Basic Tomato Sauce, fresh and vibrant, is essential. Learn my easy, authentic recipe, perfect for pasta, pizza, and any meal. So simple, so flavorful!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Garden Fresh Goodness
01 -
Canned Whole Peeled San Marzano Tomatoes (28 oz can)
02 -
Fresh Basil Leaves (1/4 cup, packed)
→ Aromatic Essentials
03 -
Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced)
04 -
Yellow Onion (1/2 medium, finely diced)
→ Flavor Layers
05 -
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
06 -
Salt (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste)
07 -
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon, freshly ground)
→ Finishing Touches
08 -
Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get that garlic and onion ready. I usually mince the garlic pretty fine and dice the onion small so it practically melts into the sauce. This is where the magic starts, the kitchen fills with that incredible aroma as soon as they hit the pan. Honestly, I sometimes just stand there breathing it in for a moment. Just try not to cry while chopping the onion, a mistake I make way too often!
02 -
Heat your olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the diced onion. Cook it until it's soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don't let the garlic brown; that's a common oops moment and it'll make your Basic Tomato Sauce bitter. Keep it gentle, just a light golden hue.
03 -
Now for the main event! Pour your canned whole peeled tomatoes into the pot. I like to crush them right in the can with my hands – it's a bit messy, but so satisfying! If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender later. Add your salt and pepper here. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is combined. This is where the sauce starts to look like, well, a sauce!
04 -
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor of this Basic Tomato Sauce becomes. I usually peek in and stir every 10-15 minutes, just to make sure nothing is sticking. This is where all those flavors really get to know each other, honestly.