Description
A rich, thick homemade tomato sauce simmered slowly to concentrate flavor, made with ripe tomatoes, aromatics, and herbs. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for many dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 kg ripe tomatoes, crushed (or canned whole tomatoes)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil (or 2 tbsp fresh, chopped)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine.
- Add salt, pepper, sugar (if using), oregano, basil, bay leaf, and chili flakes.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich.
- Remove bay leaf and stir in fresh basil if using.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- For an extra-smooth sauce, blend with an immersion blender.
- Sauce thickens more as it cools.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Add a splash of pasta water when tossing with pasta for better coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg