Quick Homemade Italian Tomato Sauce
Quick Homemade Italian Tomato Sauce
Who doesn’t love a great tomato sauce, especially when it’s full of authentic Italian flavors? We’re crazy about this sauce recipe because it’s not only delicious, but it cooks up super fast. Don’t get us wrong, slow-cooked sauces that simmer all afternoon are perfect on the weekends, but when time allows, we can also whip up a batch of this during the week and it tastes better than any jar we’d grab at the supermarket.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
We like to add some sugar to our sauce; it’s easy for the acidity of the tomatoes to overwhelm everything else, but that’s why we add a little bit of sugar to balance things out. We like to serve this sauce on top of spaghetti but we also love it for dipping – a few slices of warm garlic bread should do the trick! And we usually make a double batch so we can freeze some homemade pasta sauce to use down the road. We know how easy it is to grab a jar of sauce from the store, but give this recipe a try. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make a homemade pasta sauce.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium sauce pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 medium white onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced
- 4 medium garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Italian parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium sauce pot over medium-high heat. Add carrots, onions, salt, and pepper, and sauté until onions are translucent and carrots are softened.
- Add garlic and cook until garlic is lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
- Turn heat up to high and pour crushed tomatoes into the pan. Stir in basil.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring often. Stir in sugar and reduce heat to simmer for 5-7 minutes or until thickened.
- Stir in parsley and continue to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat to taste, and adjust salt as needed.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the onions are cooked until translucent to enhance their sweetness.
- Use fresh basil and parsley for the best flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end to suit your preference.
Additional Tips & Variations
- For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme for a unique twist.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving of this tomato sauce is low in calories and packed with vitamins A and C, thanks to the fresh vegetables used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, but it will take longer to cook down the fresh tomatoes to the desired consistency.
- How long can I store the sauce? This sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Conclusion
We hope you’ll give this Quick Homemade Italian Tomato Sauce a try. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any tweaks you make to the recipe in the comments below. Buon appetito!
