There are a variety of ways to make tomato sauce, but the basic ingredients include tomatoes, garlic, onions, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Here is a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
– 2 cans (28 oz each) of whole peeled tomatoes
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Begin by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 30 seconds. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
3. Open the cans of tomatoes and pour them into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes into smaller pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring the tomato sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will thicken the sauce and allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Once the sauce has cooked, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the sauce until it is smooth. If you like your sauce more chunky, you can skip this step.
6. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a pinch of sugar or honey at this point.
7. If you are using the sauce immediately, transfer it to a serving dish and enjoy! If you are not using the sauce right away, let it cool before transferring it to a container and refrigerating or freezing it.
Tips:
– You can add other ingredients to the sauce to customize the flavor. Some popular additions include basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan cheese.
– If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a little bit of water or broth to the pot while the sauce is simmering.
– You can also make tomato sauce using fresh tomatoes instead of canned. To do this, blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then peel and chop them before adding them to the pot.
In conclusion, making your own tomato sauce is an easy and delicious way to elevate your cooking. Experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to find the perfect flavor for you. Once you have mastered this basic recipe, you can use it as a starting point for a variety of other sauces and dishes. Happy cooking!