Tom'S Plain Tomato Sauce
A rich, flavorful homemade tomato sauce featuring fresh garlic, basil, and oregano, perfect for pasta lovers seeking a versatile, hearty, and aromatic sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a pot, add finely chopped onion to hot oil with a dash of butter and cook until the onion turns yellow and soft.
- Add 2 large cans crushed tomatoes, 2 large cans pear-shaped peeled tomatoes, and a small amount of water (about 1/2 cup) to the pot.
- Mash the tomatoes with a masher and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of basil and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano.
- Bring the mixture to a slight boil and then simmer.
- Chop up 3 cloves of garlic and add to the sauce.
- Add 1 tablespoon of sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add a little more olive oil and cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Taste and add more sugar if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you're out of basil, dried Italian herbs can be a good substitute. Using fresh garlic instead of powdered can elevate the sauce’s taste. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the sauce after cooking. This sauce is also excellent for pasta dishes like Linguine With Veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sauce over your favorite pasta or use it as a base for dishes like Tofu Lasagne. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for Italian breadsticks or as a topping for homemade pizza. Consider serving it alongside Grandma Naclerio'S Meatballs for a hearty meal.
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. When reheating, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore consistency if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tom'S Plain Tomato Sauce contains roughly 229 calories, with 6g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (106% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (85% of the Daily Value), and calcium (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 553mg per serving (24% 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, but you'll need to peel and crush them first. Generally, about 3 pounds of fresh tomatoes will yield the same amount as the canned versions. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh tomatoes may require longer to soften and release their juices.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to suit your taste. This can complement the flavors beautifully and customize the sauce to your preference.
Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This tomato sauce freezes very well. Just ensure it's cooled down completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion as it freezes. It can be conveniently thawed in the refrigerator overnight or reheated directly from frozen on low heat.
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).