Ahhh, classic tomato sauce 🍅—the foundation for pasta, pizza, shakshuka, and so much more. Here’s a simple, versatile, rich tomato sauce recipe that’s thick, flavorful, and easy to tweak.
🍅 Classic Tomato Sauce
Ingredients (makes ~4 cups)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz / 800 g) can whole peeled tomatoes (or crushed)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley, for finishing
Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onions, sauté 5–7 min until translucent.
- Add garlic, cook 30 sec until fragrant (don’t burn).
2️⃣ Add tomatoes
- Crush canned tomatoes by hand or with a spoon.
- Add to pan along with juice.
- Stir in sugar (if using), oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
3️⃣ Simmer
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook 20–30 min, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
4️⃣ Blend (optional)
- For smooth sauce, use an immersion blender or regular blender.
5️⃣ Finish
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Stir in fresh herbs just before serving.
Pro Tips
- Deeper flavor: simmer longer (up to 1 hour) or roast tomatoes first.
- Acidity balance: sugar optional; balsamic vinegar works too.
- Make ahead: keeps in fridge 4–5 days, freezes beautifully.
- Extra richness: add 1–2 tbsp butter or a splash of olive oil at the end.
If you want, I can give a “restaurant-style, rich, slightly sweet, garlicky tomato sauce” that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or lasagna—deep flavor without long simmering 😏.
Do you want me to do that?
