Why You’ll Love This
Homemade Simmered Tomato Sauce is rich, comforting, and full of classic Italian flavor. Slowly simmering tomatoes with garlic, onions, olive oil, and herbs allows the sauce to develop a deep, balanced taste that’s far better than store-bought versions. It’s simple, versatile, and perfect for pasta, pizza, lasagna, or any dish that needs a delicious tomato base.
Ingredients
● 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed or whole peeled tomatoes
● 2 tablespoons olive oil
● 1 small onion, finely chopped
● 4 cloves garlic, minced
● 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
● ½ teaspoon black pepper
● 1 teaspoon dried oregano
● 1 teaspoon dried basil
● 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
● 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
● ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Preparation Instructions
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Heat the Olive Oil
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. -
Sauté the Onion
Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent. -
Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. -
Add the Tomatoes
Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or whole tomatoes crushed by hand) and stir well. -
Add Seasonings
Stir in salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, sugar (if using), and tomato paste. -
Simmer the Sauce
Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. -
Adjust the Texture
For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender. For a chunkier sauce, leave as is. -
Finish with Fresh Herbs
Stir in chopped fresh basil during the last few minutes of cooking. -
Taste and Adjust
Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or sugar if needed. -
Serve
Use the sauce immediately or store for later use.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large saucepan or pot
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Knife and cutting board
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Immersion blender (optional)
Tips
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Use high-quality tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes provide excellent flavor.
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Simmer longer for deeper flavor: The longer it cooks, the richer the sauce becomes.
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Add vegetables: Finely chopped carrots or celery can add natural sweetness.
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Enhance richness: A tablespoon of butter or a splash of olive oil at the end adds smoothness.
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Add heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes creates a gentle kick.
Serving Suggestions
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Toss with spaghetti, penne, or linguine.
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Use as a base for lasagna or baked pasta.
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Spread on pizza dough.
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Serve with meatballs or grilled chicken.
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Use as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer:
Freeze the sauce in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
1. Can I make tomato sauce with fresh tomatoes?
Yes. Use about 3–4 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled and crushed.
2. Why does my tomato sauce taste acidic?
Adding a small amount of sugar or grated carrot helps balance acidity.
3. Can I add meat to this sauce?
Absolutely. Ground beef, sausage, or meatballs can be added for a heartier sauce.
Conclusion
Homemade Simmered Tomato Sauce is a classic recipe that delivers rich flavor with simple ingredients. With slow simmering and aromatic herbs, this versatile sauce is perfect for pasta dishes, pizzas, and countless other meals. Once you try making it from scratch, it may become your go-to tomato sauce recipe.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 95 kcal
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Protein: 2 g
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Carbohydrates: 12 g
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Fat: 4 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sodium: 330 mg
Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used. 🍅🍝🌿
