Ingredients
Tomato Sauce Ingredients
- 2 (28 ounce) cans whole tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 handful fresh basil, chopped
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Add the canned whole tomatoes (including their juices) to a large bowl and use your hands to break them up into smaller chunks. This helps the sauce develop texture and combines well during cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they soften and become translucent, which builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, making sure not to burn it for best flavor.
- Combine Ingredients & Simmer: Pour in the broken tomatoes along with the Italian seasoning, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together well. Once the sauce starts to bubble, cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. Reduce heat to medium-low or low and simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld beautifully.
- Finish & Season: Stir in fresh chopped basil and taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired, then remove from heat and serve as a delicious base for your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Using whole canned tomatoes with juices provides the best texture and natural flavor to the sauce.
- The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes but can be adjusted or omitted based on preference.
- Simmering the sauce uncovered or fully covered can affect consistency; leaving the lid slightly open allows reduction while preventing too much evaporation.
- Fresh basil added at the end preserves its bright flavor and aroma.
- Crushed red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice slight heat—adjust quantity based on your heat tolerance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
