Imagine transforming simple ingredients into a mouth-watering, authentic Italian tomato sauce that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds! This from-scratch recipe is about to revolutionize your cooking, proving that you don't need fancy techniques or complicated ingredients to create a sauce that rivals those served in the most prestigious Italian restaurants. Get ready to impress everyone at your dinner table with a homemade tomato sauce that's bursting with rich, deep flavors and irresistible aroma!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Use a wooden spoon to break down any large tomato chunks.
- Sprinkle dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper into the sauce. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Reduce heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer uncovered. Let it cook slowly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for approximately 35-40 minutes.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. The sauce should develop a rich, deep flavor during the simmering process.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. If desired, use an immersion blender to create a smoother consistency.
- Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves just before serving. The sauce can be used immediately or stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- • Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor - look for San Marzano tomatoes if possible • Don't rush the simmering process - slow cooking develops the most incredible depth of flavor • Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan • Fresh garlic and herbs make a massive difference compared to dried or pre-packaged alternatives • If the sauce is too acidic, a pinch of sugar helps balance the flavor • For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or pass through a fine-mesh strainer • This sauce freezes beautifully - make a large batch and store in portion-sized containers for quick future meals • Let the sauce cool completely before storing to maintain the best texture and flavor
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
