Easy And Basic Red (Tomato) Sauce
A hearty, flavorful red sauce rich with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for many Italian dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes
- 2 (28 oz.) cans whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomato puree ⓘ
- 4 medium to large onions ⓘ
- 2 large garlic clusters ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. allspice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
- olive oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chives ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oregano
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cayenne ⓘ
- any additional spices you desire ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pan, lightly sauté onions and garlic in olive oil.
- Add the whole tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato puree to the pan.
- Stir in allspice, chives, paprika, basil leaves, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Simmer on low heat for several hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during the simmering process. You can substitute the crushed tomatoes with fresh, ripe tomatoes if desired; just peel and blend them before adding. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference, and try incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth. This sauce is versatile, so experiment with flavors that complement your dish.
Serving Suggestions
This easy and basic red sauce pairs beautifully with Chuck'S Pasta And Fagioli(Beans And Macaroni) or can be used as a base for a delicious pizza. Serve it over pasta, with a side of Italian Broccoli Salad, or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. It also makes a great topping for grilled chicken or eggplant dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so on low heat, stirring frequently, or use the microwave in short bursts, ensuring it heats evenly without splattering.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy And Basic Red (Tomato) Sauce contains roughly 1919 calories, with 70g protein, 385g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (723% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (405% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 692mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! About 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes will work well. Peel and chop them, then blend them into a sauce before adding them to the pan. Just be aware that fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to achieve the desired thickness.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add more heat to your sauce, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder. You can also incorporate finely chopped fresh chili peppers, such as jalapeños or serranos, depending on your preferred spice level. Start small and adjust to taste as it simmers.
Is this sauce suitable for canning?
Yes, this sauce can be canned! Make sure to follow safe canning practices, including using sterilized jars and processing them in a water bath. It's best to consult a canning guide to ensure safety and proper preservation methods for your homemade sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).