Easy Tomato Sauce
A quick, flavorful tomato sauce with fresh basil, garlic, and onion, perfect for pasta or as a base for many Italian-inspired dishes. Suitable for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook onion in olive oil in a heavy saucepan over moderately low heat, stirring until softened.
- Add garlic and cook, stirring for 1 minute.
- Stir in tomatoes in puree, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste, and bring to a boil.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil and water.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider sautéing diced carrots or bell peppers with the onions. If fresh basil isn't available, dried basil can be used in a pinch—just reduce the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated. Adjust the sugar based on the acidity of the tomatoes, and feel free to add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. This sauce is versatile and can easily adapt to various Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This easy tomato sauce is perfect over pasta, particularly with dishes like Poor Man'S Pasta or served as a base for Pizza Crusts. It also pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. For a hearty meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a fresh salad. This sauce is a great complement to Italian Meatball Spaghetti Sauce, making it a perfect addition to a family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to achieve the right consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Tomato Sauce contains roughly 419 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (62% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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! You'll need about 2 pounds of them. Blanch, peel, and chop them before adding them to the saucepan. Fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to break down and create the sauce consistency you desire.
Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This tomato sauce freezes well. Once cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator or reheated directly from frozen on the stovetop, making it a convenient option for quick meals.
How can I enhance the flavor of this sauce?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while cooking or a bay leaf during simmering. You can also experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme, or add grated Parmesan cheese for a richer taste. Each addition can elevate the sauce to meet your personal preference.
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).