Fast Tomato Sauce
A quick, flavorful tomato sauce with fresh basil and garlic, perfect for pasta or pizza, suited for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the tomatoes in a blender.
- Saute chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
- Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Add the blended tomatoes to the sautéed mixture.
- Mix well and bring to a boil.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Add basil leaves and simmer for 25 to 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use San Marzano tomatoes if available. You can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder, but fresh is preferred for a more vibrant taste. If you want a bit of heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes when sautéing the onion and garlic. This sauce also works well with added vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, making it versatile for various Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This fast tomato sauce pairs beautifully with Fresh Garden Pasta for a quick meal. Serve it over your favorite pasta, or use it as a base for pizza. You can also top grilled chicken or fish with the sauce for added flavor. Consider garnishing with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch.
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 a week or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it over low heat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fast Tomato Sauce contains roughly 1033 calories, with 34g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (122% of the Daily Value), iron (114% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1939mg per serving (84% 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 in this recipe. You'll need about 3-4 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch them in boiling water for a minute, peel, and then blend. This will give you a fresher taste, though canned tomatoes are convenient and consistent.
How do I make this sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, you can let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water, stirring until fully incorporated for a thicker consistency.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this fast tomato sauce is entirely vegan. All ingredients used, including olive oil and vegetables, are plant-based. It’s a great option for anyone following vegan recipes, and you can add vegetables or legumes to enhance the dish further.
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).