Description
A classic Italian-style sauce made from scratch with ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and simple pantry staples. This sauce is richly flavorful yet light and fresh, perfect for pasta dishes or as a base for your favorite recipes. With minimal ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, it delivers that homemade goodness without the hassle or additives. The slow simmer brings out a natural sweetness and depth, making it a family favorite any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- ¼ cup red wine or balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Sauté onions until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Crush and add canned tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Stir in dried herbs, salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Add wine or vinegar if using.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning and stir in fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for authentic flavor.
- Simmer longer for thicker sauce.
- Add fresh herbs last to maintain brightness.
- Adjust acidity with sugar or vinegar as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Sauce / Pasta Sauce
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg