Description
This classic homemade tomato sauce is a flavorful and versatile base made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, onion, and basil. It’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a foundation for many Italian dishes. Simmered to develop a rich, hearty taste with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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 release their full flavors during cooking.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the 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. Let the mixture simmer uncovered on low to medium heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors develop.
- 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 to desired consistency.
- Serve or store: Use the tomato sauce immediately with your favorite dishes, or allow it to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
Notes
- Peeling tomatoes can be done easily by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds and then transferring to ice water.
- Adding sugar is optional but helps balance the acidity of fresh tomatoes.
- For a chunkier sauce, avoid blending and leave it as is.
- The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use the sauce as a base for pasta, pizza, or meat dishes.
