Print

Flavorful Tomato Sauce

flavorful tomato sauce recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A rich and perfectly textured tomato sauce made with simple pantry staples and a unique stir-rest technique to enhance flavor and prevent scorching.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces (800 g) canned crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water or vegetable broth (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a medium to large heavy-bottomed saucepan until shimmering but not smoking, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly to caramelize the paste.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
  6. Increase heat slightly and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Then reduce heat to low to maintain a slow bubble.
  7. For the first 10 minutes, stir the sauce every 1-2 minutes to prevent sticking but avoid constant agitation.
  8. Let the sauce simmer undisturbed for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  9. Continue alternating between stirring every few minutes and letting the sauce rest for short intervals for a total cooking time of 40-50 minutes.
  10. In the last 5 minutes, stir in the torn fresh basil leaves. If the sauce is too thick, add up to 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth to loosen it. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  11. Remove from heat and let the sauce sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and thicken slightly.

Notes

Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent scorching. Stir every 1-2 minutes during the first 10 minutes, then let the sauce rest for 5-7 minutes before stirring again. Adjust salt, sugar, and pepper to taste. If sauce sticks, reduce heat immediately and stir gently. Fresh basil is added at the end to preserve brightness. For a thicker sauce, omit water or broth. This sauce is naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato sauce, homemade tomato sauce, easy tomato sauce, pasta sauce, Italian sauce, simmered tomato sauce, flavorful tomato sauce

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/flavorful-tomato-sauce-recipe-easy-stirring-tips-for-perfect-sauce/