Simple Tomato Sauce with Garlic & Basil
Simple tomato sauce is a reliable base for pasta, pizza, meatballs and bakes. Olive oil, onion, garlic, tomatoes and oregano cook down into a balanced sauce with enough body to coat pasta or spread on dough.
Servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 800 g tinned chopped tomatoes
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp sugar optional
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 8 fresh basil leaves optional
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat and cook the onion for 6–8 minutes until soft and translucent.2 tbsp olive oil, 1 small onion
- Add the garlic and tomato purée, then cook for 1 minute until fragrant.2 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp tomato purée
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, salt, sugar and oregano.800 g tinned chopped tomatoes, 1 tsp fine sea salt, ½ tsp sugar, 1 tsp dried oregano
- Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the raw tomato edge softens.
- Tear in the basil if using, then blend for a smooth sauce or leave slightly chunky.8 fresh basil leaves
Drink pairing
Tomato sauce is bright and savoury, so drinks with acidity, herbal notes or light fruit work best.
Alcoholic
- Chianti
- Barbera
- Italian pilsner
Non alcoholic
- Sparkling water with basil and lemon
- Tomato and celery cooler
- Unsweetened iced tea
Nutrition per serving
Calories: 68kcal (3%) | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 7g (11%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Sodium: 590mg (26%) | Potassium: 15mg | Fiber: 0.3g (1%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 51IU (1%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Vitamin E: 1mg (7%) | Vitamin K: 11µg (10%) | Folate: 2µg (1%)
Share your experience