Easy Tomato Sauce Recipe Using Canned Tomatoes
Guide or Summary:IngredientsInstructionsTomato sauce, the quintessential accompaniment to pasta dishes worldwide, can be a complex endeavor. However, with t……
Guide or Summary:
Tomato sauce, the quintessential accompaniment to pasta dishes worldwide, can be a complex endeavor. However, with the advent of canned tomatoes, the art of crafting this essential sauce has become accessible to home cooks everywhere. This easy tomato sauce recipe using canned tomatoes is designed to simplify the process, ensuring that you can whip up a rich, flavorful sauce without the need for hours of cooking or elaborate techniques.
Ingredients
To start, you'll need a few simple ingredients:
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste
- A pinch of sugar (optional, for a sweeter flavor)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Onion and Garlic**: Start by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. These will serve as the base of your tomato sauce, providing depth and flavor.
2. **Heat the Olive Oil**: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
3. **Add the Garlic**: Once the onion is cooked, add the minced garlic to the saucepan. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
4. **Introduce the Canned Tomatoes**: Drain the canned tomatoes and add them to the saucepan. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
5. **Season with Herbs and Spices**: Sprinkle the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over the tomato mixture. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly. If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, add a pinch of sugar at this stage.
6. **Simmer**: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. **Taste and Adjust**: After 15-20 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or sugar to suit your taste.
8. **Garnish and Serve**: Before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil. This not only adds a burst of fresh flavor but also a pop of color to your finished dish. Serve your easy tomato sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it as a base for pizza, lasagna, or any other tomato-based dish.
This easy tomato sauce recipe using canned tomatoes is a game-changer for home cooks looking to create a delicious sauce without the fuss. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can achieve a rich, flavorful sauce that enhances any dish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy your homemade tomato sauce, made simple!