Easy Italian Tomato Sauce Recipe

Cooking a delicious tomato sauce is not just about following a recipe; it's an experience that can transform simple ingredients into a memorable meal. Whether you're preparing spaghetti carbonara or homemade pizza, a well-made tomato sauce forms the base of these classic Italian dishes.

Today, we'll guide you through creating a basic yet flavorful tomato sauce for pasta. The keyword for this recipe is tomato sauce, which will help anyone searching for simple and delicious ways to make homemade sauces find this article easily.

Cooking Time: About 30 Minutes

This recipe requires approximately 30 minutes of active cooking time. However, if you include the preparation time, it might take a bit longer since peeling tomatoes can add another few minutes to your effort.

Number of Servings: Serves 4-6 people

The tomato sauce is perfect for serving as a side dish or the main component in several dishes like lasagna, pasta, and even on bread. For this recipe, you’ll have enough sauce to satisfy the appetites of about four to six people.

Ingredients:

12 medium-sized ripe tomatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Start by preparing your tomatoes. For a smoother sauce, peel the tomatoes by making a small cut on their bottom ends, then dip them into boiling water for about 10 seconds. Afterward, transfer them to cold water to ease peeling. Once peeled, roughly chop or slice the tomatoes.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent. This step is crucial as it helps to deepen the flavor of your sauce.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two, stirring constantly so that it does not burn.
Now, add the tomatoes along with a pinch of sugar if needed. The sugar balances the acidity and enhances the sweetness in the sauce.
Cook at low heat until the tomatoes break down into a smooth sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent burning at the bottom of your pot.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and oregano according to taste. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes for better flavor development. The longer you let this sauce cook, the more robust its taste becomes.
Finally, garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves if desired. This adds a fresh scent and vibrant color to your meal.

Tips:

If you like a thicker sauce, you can blend some of the tomatoes once they have softened before adding them back into the pan.
For extra flavor, consider adding a few tablespoons of tomato paste or red wine to your base sauce mixture.

Benefits of Homemade Tomato Sauce:

Making homemade tomato sauce offers numerous benefits beyond just convenience. It allows you to control the ingredients going into your dish, ensuring that there are no additives or preservatives like in many store-bought options. Fresh tomatoes provide essential vitamins and antioxidants, which contribute to good health.

Moreover, cooking this sauce at home can be a family activity, making it more engaging for everyone involved. It’s also an opportunity to share traditional recipes with younger generations who may not know the cultural significance behind them.

Variations:

If you're looking to switch things up, try adding mushrooms or bell peppers along with your onions and garlic at the beginning of cooking. This gives the sauce a bit more texture and flavor.
Another variation could be to add some spinach leaves towards the end of cooking to incorporate that nutritional punch into your meal.

Conclusion:

Cooking tomato sauce at home is not only rewarding but also incredibly simple once you get the hang of it. With just a few key ingredients and steps, you can create a rich, aromatic sauce that elevates any dish into something truly special. Use this recipe as a foundation and feel free to experiment with different vegetables or spices to make your tomato sauce uniquely yours.