What You’ll Need:
- 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Tomato Paste
Add the tomato paste to the saucepan and stir it into the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Incorporate the Water
Pour the water into the saucepan and stir well until the tomato paste is fully dissolved. This will help to create a smooth and saucy consistency.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Add the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. This will help to develop the flavors and thicken the sauce.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
After simmering, taste the tomato sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
Step 6: Serve or Store
Your homemade tomato sauce is now ready to be used in your favorite dishes! Pour it over pasta, use it as a pizza sauce, or add it to your lasagna. If you have any leftover sauce, let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Now you can enjoy the taste of fresh tomato sauce even when you don’t have fresh tomatoes on hand. This versatile tomato paste recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Happy cooking!