How To Make A Basic Tomato Sauce

How to Make a Basic Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to soups and stews. Making your own tomato sauce from scratch allows you to control the flavors and customize it to your liking. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a basic tomato sauce that is both delicious and simple to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the tomatoes: Start by blanching the tomatoes in boiling water for about 1 minute. Remove them from the water and let them cool. Once cooled, peel the tomatoes and remove the seeds. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the saucepan and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season the sauce: Add the sugar, salt, dried oregano, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine the flavors. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 10 minutes, or until it thickens.
5. Blend or leave chunky: At this point, you can choose to leave the sauce chunky or blend it for a smoother consistency. If you prefer a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until desired consistency is reached.
6. Adjust the seasoning: Taste the tomato sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to enhance the flavors.
7. Serve or store: Your basic tomato sauce is now ready to be used in your favorite recipes! Serve it over pasta, as a base for pizza, or use it to enhance the flavors of your soups and stews. If you have leftovers, let the sauce cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Now that you know how to make a basic tomato sauce from scratch, the possibilities are endless. You can experiment with adding other ingredients like fresh herbs, vegetables, or even a splash of wine to create your own unique version of this classic sauce. So, roll up your sleeves and give it a try – you’ll never go back to store-bought tomato sauce!