Homemade Multipurpose Italian Style Tomato Sauce Recipe

I tried making this tomato sauce recipe the other day and it completely blew my mind because its simplicity and burst of garlic, basil, and fresh tomatoes totally make it my go-to comfort sauce every single time I need mealtime done.

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil provides heart-healthy fats and robust flavor, boosting overall sauce texture.
• The onion gives natural sweetness and fiber, softening into a tender base for the sauce.
• Garlic adds a vibrant aroma, supports immunity and enhances flavor with its subtle spice.
• Crushed tomatoes are packed with vitamins, fiber and tang, forming the rich sauce foundation.
• Tomato paste deepens the color and taste, intensifying the tomato essence in every bite.
• Dried basil and oregano infuse aromatic herbs for a balanced, savory flavor that elevates the sauce.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp sugar (optional to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and let it cook for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and a bit golden.

2. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, making sure it doesn’t burn.

3. Pour in the hand-crushed whole peeled tomatoes and the crushed tomatoes, stirring well so they mix together.

4. Stir in the tomato paste until it’s evenly mixed into the tomatoes.

5. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and the bay leaf into the pan and stir to combine the herbs with the sauce.

6. If the sauce tastes too tart, mix in the 1/2 tsp sugar to help balance the acidity.

7. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

8. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over low heat and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick.

9. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, then remove the bay leaf.

10. Let the sauce cool a bit before serving, then enjoy it over your favorite pasta or in other recipes.

Equipment Needed

1. A large pan for cooking the sauce
2. A cutting board for chopping the onions and garlic
3. A sharp knife to finely chop the ingredients
4. A wooden spoon or spatula to stir the sauce
5. Measuring spoons for the olive oil, tomato paste and spices
6. A can opener for the tomatoes
7. A working stove to heat up the pan

FAQ

• Q: What dishes work best with this Italian style tomato sauce? A: This sauce is super versatile! You can use it for pasta, pizza, or even as a base for soups and stews.
• Q: Should I use fresh or dried herbs in this recipe? A: Dried herbs are what the recipe calls for, but you can swap in fresh ones if you have them. Just add the fresh herbs towards the end to keep their flavor.
• Q: How long do I need to let the sauce simmer? A: Simmer it for about 20 to 30 minutes to blend the flavors well, but if you got extra time, a longer simmer makes it even richer.
• Q: Is the sugar really necessary in this recipe? A: The sugar is optional; it’s just a trick to balance the acidity in the tomatoes. If you dont like sweet sauces, feel free to leave it out.

Homemade Multipurpose Italian Style Tomato Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have extra virgin olive oil, you can swap it out with avocado oil or even a light olive oil for a milder flavor
• If you’re low on a medium onion, try using a yellow or red onion which will work pretty well in the sauce
• Dried basil can be replaced with fresh basil if available, you might want to use about three times the amount to keep that intense flavor
• If you dont have whole peeled tomatoes, diced tomatoes or even tomato puree can do the trick to get that rich tomato taste

Pro Tips

1. Try cookin the onions until theyre really soft and a bit golden before adding the garlic. It helps build up the flavor so your sauce doesnt taste flat.
2. Dont rush adding the garlic – toss it in just a minute after the onions softens so it doesnt burn and give the sauce a bitter taste.
3. Let the sauce simmer for at least 20-30 minutes on a low heat. Stir it every now and then to keep it from stickin and to let the flavours really blend together.
4. Taste as you go and add salt, pepper, and even that pinch of sugar if the tomatoes seem too tart. This way you can adjust the seasoning so every bite is just right.