Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a rustic Italian trattoria with just a few simple ingredients? This mouthwatering Tomato and Basil Sauce is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking in under 30 minutes. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this sauce promises to elevate your pasta dishes, pizzas, and more with its vibrant, fresh flavors that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dice the fresh tomatoes into small, uniform cubes, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves, creating small, delicate pieces that will infuse the sauce with aromatic flavor.
- Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, allowing it to warm and become slightly shimmery.
- Add the minced garlic to the heated olive oil and sauté for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release its fragrant essence.
- Carefully add the diced tomatoes to the pan, stirring to combine with the garlic and olive oil.
- Reduce heat to low-medium and let the tomatoes simmer, stirring occasionally, allowing them to break down and create a rich, smooth sauce texture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as the sauce develops.
- After approximately 15-20 minutes, when tomatoes have fully broken down and sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
- Gently fold in the freshly chopped basil, stirring to distribute the herbs evenly throughout the sauce.
- Let the sauce rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the basil to release its aromatic oils and flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Choose the ripest, freshest tomatoes for the most intense flavor—garden-fresh or vine-ripened tomatoes work best.
- Use extra virgin olive oil to enhance the sauce's authentic Mediterranean taste.
- Sauté garlic gently to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste.
- Let the sauce simmer slowly to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its bright, aromatic qualities.
- For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree the tomatoes.
- This sauce freezes beautifully—make a larger batch and store for quick future meals.
- Experiment with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
