How to make tomato sauce with canned tomatoes

Tomato is a versatile and flavorful addition to many meals. It can be used as a base for pasta dishes, in soups, or as a topping for pizzas. While fresh are often the go-to choice for making sauce, tomatoes can be just as effective – especially when they are not in season. In this article, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious tomato sauce using canned tomatoes.

Ingredients:

– 2 cans (28 ounces each) of whole tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the base for your tomato sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

2. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic cloves. Sauté them until they become translucent and aromatic, which should take about 5 minutes.

3. While the onion and garlic are cooking, drain the liquid from both cans of whole peeled tomatoes. You can use your hands to gently squish the tomatoes to release any excess liquid.

4. Once the onions and garlic are ready, add the tomatoes to the saucepan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the tomatoes into smaller pieces. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the tomatoes before adding them to the saucepan.

5. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

6. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over low heat. Allow it to cook uncovered for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process will help develop the flavors and thicken the sauce.

7. After the sauce has simmered for the desired time, taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preferences. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.

8. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the sauce to your desired consistency. Be cautious when blending hot liquids and leave some space in the blender for steam to escape.

9. Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before transferring it to jars or other storage containers.

10. Your homemade tomato sauce is now ready! It can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the sauce in small portions for longer storage.

Remember, tomato sauce made with canned tomatoes can be just as delicious as sauce made with fresh tomatoes, especially during the off-season. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Enjoy your homemade tomato sauce in various pasta dishes, stews, soups, or any other that call for a burst of tomato goodness.