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Versatile Tomato-Based Sauce


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  • Author: nevaeh-hall
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This simple, versatile tomato-based sauce transforms pantry staples into a rich, homely sauce perfect for pasta, proteins, and grains.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or a few torn fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Gently sweat the chopped onion in olive oil over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds.
  3. Stir in the whole peeled tomatoes and crush them by hand or with a potato masher.
  4. Season with salt, sugar, black pepper, and oregano or basil.
  5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and maintain a gentle simmer for 20–25 minutes.
  6. Finish with butter or cream for a silkier texture if desired.

Notes

For pasta, toss with 12 oz of cooked pasta, reserving pasta water for consistency. This sauce can also be used with grilled chicken or as a dipping sauce for meatballs.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg