Are you tired of bland, store-bought tomato sauces that lack depth and authentic flavor? Prepare to revolutionize your cooking with this incredibly simple yet mouthwatering Homemade Tomato Base Sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy! In just 40 minutes, you'll create a rich, aromatic sauce that will elevate everything from pasta and pizza to your favorite comfort dishes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, until the garlic becomes aromatic but not browned.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Add sugar, dried basil, and dried oregano to the sauce, which will help balance the tomatoes' natural acidity.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, starting with a small amount and adjusting as needed.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for approximately 25-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before removing from heat.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before using or storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Tips
- Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor - San Marzano tomatoes are ideal if you can find them.
- Don't rush the sautéing process. Letting the onions and garlic caramelize slowly develops a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- The sugar isn't just for sweetness - it helps balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes and creates a more rounded taste.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of red wine while the sauce simmers.
- This sauce freezes beautifully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, and you'll always have a delicious base ready to go.
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree after cooking, or strain through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried - use 3 times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
