Simple Homemade Tomato Sauce: A Taste of Home (Print Version)

Craft a luscious, Simple Homemade Tomato Sauce from scratch. This easy recipe brings authentic flavor to your kitchen, perfect for any meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 3 tablespoons good olive oil
02 - 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 (28 ounce) cans whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, undrained

→ Flavor Boosters & Seasonings

05 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
06 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
07 - 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
08 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

→ Finishing Touches

09 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn or chopped

→ Optional Extras

10 - Pinch of sugar (if tomatoes are acidic)
11 - 1 small carrot, grated (for sweetness)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab a heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven – it really helps with even cooking. Pour a generous glug of your good olive oil into the pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your finely diced yellow onion. Stir it around, letting it soften and become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. You want it sweet and tender, not browned. This step is where the magic starts to happen, filling your kitchen with that comforting, savory smell.
02 - Now, push the softened onions to one side and add your minced garlic to the cleared space in the pot. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until it's fragrant. Be super careful here; burnt garlic is a sad, bitter tragedy, and I've been there, oops! Stir in the dried oregano too. Then, mix everything together with the onions. This brief cooking time for the garlic and oregano really wakes up their flavors, making your Simple Homemade Tomato Sauce sing.
03 - Next up, the San Marzano tomatoes. If they're whole, gently crush them with your hands right into the pot. Honestly, it's a bit messy, but it’s so satisfying and gives the sauce a rustic texture. Pour in all the juices from the can too. Give it a good stir to combine everything. This is where the sauce really starts to take shape and that rich red color emerges, making you excited for what's to come.
04 - Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot, leaving the lid slightly ajar so some steam can escape. Let it cook for at least 45 minutes, or even an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavors become. I often find myself peeking in and giving it a stir, just enjoying the bubbling sound and the incredible aroma filling my home. This slow simmer is key for a truly flavorful Simple Homemade Tomato Sauce.
05 - After simmering, it's time for the crucial step: tasting and seasoning! Add a good pinch of sea salt and a generous grind of black pepper. Stir it in, then taste. Does it need more salt? A little more pepper? Sometimes, if my tomatoes aren't as sweet, I'll add a tiny pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, but not always. Trust your palate here; you're the chef! This is where you make the Simple Homemade Tomato Sauce truly yours.
06 - Finally, remove the pot from the heat. Tear or roughly chop your fresh basil leaves and stir them into the hot sauce. The residual heat will wilt them beautifully and release their vibrant aroma. Give it one last taste. If you like a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender for a few quick pulses, but I prefer mine a bit chunky. Serve this Simple Homemade Tomato Sauce immediately or let it cool slightly for later use. It’s absolutely divine!

# Notes:

01 - Always use good quality canned tomatoes; it makes all the difference in a Simple Homemade Tomato Sauce.
02 - Don't rush the simmering process; patience is a virtue here for deep flavor.
03 - Taste and adjust seasoning frequently; what works for me might need tweaking for your palate!
04 - A tiny splash of balsamic vinegar at the end can add an unexpected depth, a trick I learned from an old Italian chef.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
02 - wooden spoon
03 - immersion blender (optional)

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 8g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 3g

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