Description
A classic homemade tomato sauce recipe made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, onion, and basil. This versatile sauce simmers gently to develop rich flavors and can be used immediately or stored for later use. Perfect for pasta dishes, pizzas, or as a base for other recipes.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Sauce Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar (to reduce acidity)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Wash and peel the tomatoes, then chop them into chunks. Mince the garlic, finely chop the onion and basil to ensure they release their full flavor during cooking.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan, stirring well to break down the tomatoes and release their juices. Simmer uncovered on low-medium heat for 20-30 minutes to thicken the sauce and deepen the flavors.
- Season and finish: Stir in fresh basil, salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or pulse gently in a blender.
- Serve or store: Use the tomato sauce immediately in your favorite dishes, or cool completely and store in airtight containers for later use.
Notes
- Peeling the tomatoes helps create a smoother sauce texture.
- Simmering time can be adjusted depending on how thick you want the sauce.
- Optional sugar can balance the acidity of tomatoes.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried can be substituted but add less.
- This sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
