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Tomato Sauce

Tomato Sauce

A quick and easy fresh tomato sauce recipe made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, onion, and fragrant basil. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a versatile base for many dishes, this sauce brings vibrant, balanced flavors using simple, fresh ingredients in under 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: About 2 cups 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped (or peeled and chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and garlic. Roughly chop tomatoes or score and peel for a silkier texture. Have fresh basil ready to add at the end for freshness.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté another minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add Tomatoes: Pour in the fresh tomatoes, stirring gently. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. For a smoother sauce, use a hand blender or mash the tomatoes with a wooden spoon while cooking.
  4. Season and Simmer: Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to balance acidity. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
  5. Stir in Fresh Basil: Just before removing from heat, stir in torn fresh basil leaves to infuse the sauce with herbaceous aroma. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

  • Use Roma or plum tomatoes for a meatier, less watery sauce.
  • Allow time for simmering to deepen flavors and thicken the sauce.
  • Add fresh basil at the end to keep its flavor bright and fresh.
  • For deeper flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or grated carrot for natural umami.
  • Adjust texture by blending partially for chunky or fully for smooth sauce consistency.
  • The sauce keeps up to 4 days refrigerated, or can be frozen up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup (about 60g)
  • Calories: 45
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 3.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: fresh tomato sauce, easy tomato sauce, homemade tomato sauce, Italian tomato sauce, pasta sauce, quick tomato sauce