Basic Tomato Sauce
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
110 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Condiments
Basic Tomato Sauce
Description
Basic Tomato Sauce starts with olive oil and softened onions cooked gently until translucent, followed by garlic for aroma. Crushed whole canned tomatoes with their juices are added along with dried basil, then simmered to allow flavors to meld and reduce to a desirable consistency. Fresh parsley is stirred in last to add a touch of brightness. The sauce can be left chunky or blended smooth depending on preference, making it adaptable for different uses.
The flavor balances the sweetness and acidity of tomatoes with the warmth of garlic and herbs. Simmering helps to develop depth while maintaining freshness from the parsley. It’s suitable as a pasta sauce base, for layering in baked dishes, or a simple tomato accompaniment in various meals.
Adjustments can be made for acidity by adding sugar or grated carrots if necessary. The sauce freezes well, allowing for convenient storage and later use.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 28 ounces whole tomatoes with juices, 1 can, canned
- ½ teaspoon basil dried
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped, fresh
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine olive oil and onion over medium heat. Cook until onions start to soften. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Gently mash the tomatoes with your hands and add to the pan with juices. Stir in basil.
- Simmer 20 minutes adding water if needed to reach desired consistency. Optional: Once thickened, use a hand blender to blend the sauce to desired consistency.
- Stir in parsley. Taste sauce and season with add salt & pepper.
Notes
- Simmer the sauce to your preferred thickness to suit various dishes.
- If the sauce tastes too acidic, add ½ teaspoon sugar or ¼ cup grated carrot to balance it.
- For a smoother texture, use a hand blender or blender cautiously to avoid steam buildup.
- This tomato sauce freezes well, making it suitable for advance preparation.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 110 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 110 | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 286mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 413mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 316IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 22mg | 24% |
| Calcium | 73mg | 7% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.