Ingredients:
1 can of whole peeled tomatoes
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried basil
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add the diced onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until they become translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
4. Open the can of whole peeled tomatoes and use your hands to gently break them apart. Alternatively, you can use a potato masher or an immersion blender to crush them.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes to the saucepan along with the oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until it has thickened and the tomatoes have broken down.
7. Remove the bay leaf and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and puree until smooth. Be careful not to over-blend as it can cause the sauce to become too thin.
9. Optional: You can add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce to make it creamier, but this steps is not required.
10. Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta and enjoy!
Tips:
– If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
– This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
– To add additional flavor to the sauce, you can sauté some chopped pancetta or bacon with the onions and garlic.
– You can also add some red pepper flakes if you prefer your sauce to have a spicy kick.
Conclusion:
Making your own tomato sauce for pasta is not only satisfying, but it’s also a great way to control the flavors and ingredients in your dish. With this basic recipe, you can customize the sauce to your liking by adding additional spices or vegetables. Remember to taste and season your sauce along the way to ensure it’s delicious and well-balanced. Happy cooking!