Classic Tomato Sauce

Classic Tomato Sauce

A rich and flavorful tomato sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for various dishes.

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Course: Condiment, sauce

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: homemade sauce, pasta sauce, Tomato Sauce

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 40

Servings: servings

Calories: 80kcal

Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
1 medium onion finely chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1 can crushed tomatoes 28 ounces, preferably San Marzano
1 teaspoon sugar to balance acidity
1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Instructions

Prepare the Base

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This will help to sauté the onion and garlic, releasing their flavors.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.

Combine Ingredients

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. This forms the base of your sauce.
Add the sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Simmer the Sauce

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Notes

This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. For a smoother sauce, blend it with an immersion blender before serving.

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