Make a versatile, flavorful tomato sauce quickly using either fresh or canned tomatoes. This simple red sauce works well for pasta, pizza, or Italian dishes.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Sauce
Method:Stovetop Simmering
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (or 2 pounds fresh Roma tomatoes, chopped)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (for finishing)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes. If using fresh tomatoes, add them now.
Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).
Bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend briefly.
Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh chopped basil.
Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed before serving over pasta or using on pizza.
Notes
For a richer flavor with fresh tomatoes, roast them first before adding them to the pot.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or reserved pasta cooking water.