Here’s a simple recipe for Quick Homemade Italian Tomato Sauce that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other Italian dishes:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions:
- Saute Onion and Garlic:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the saucepan.
- Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If desired, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to taste.
- Serve or Store:
- Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat.
- Use the sauce immediately as a topping for pasta, pizza, or any other Italian dishes.
- Alternatively, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
This Quick Homemade Italian Tomato Sauce is versatile, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up a delicious Italian-inspired meal in no time. Enjoy its rich and savory taste with your favorite pasta or pizza!