Basic All-Purpose Tomato Sauce Recipe

Gather all the ingredients for the basic all-purpose tomato sauce recipe

To make this tasty tomato sauce, you'll only require 10 basic ingredients: tomato passata, onion, olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, parsley, sugar, salt, and black pepper.

Step 1: Cook the onion

In a saucepan set over medium heat, pour in olive oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes tender, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Add garlic

Incorporate garlic and sauté for an additional minute or until aromatic.

Step 3: Add dry oregano

Incorporate the dried oregano and sauté for 30 seconds.

Step 4: Add the rest of the ingredients

Add the tomato passata along with the parsley, basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5: Simmer the sauce

Sauté for approximately 10-15 minutes over medium to low heat, stirring often.

Step 6: Use as needed

Take it off the stove. Use immediately or pour it into a jar.

How should you serve this basic all-purpose tomato sauce?

This adaptable tomato sauce pairs well with a range of dishes. Combine it with cooked pasta, like spaghetti, for a timeless and satisfying meal. Feel free to enhance your pasta creations with grated Parmesan, fresh herbs, or your favorite vegetables. Use the sauce as a base on your pizza dough before layering on your preferred toppings, providing a rich and delicious foundation for your pizza.

For a quick and easy meal, fill your quesadillas with a blend of cheese, shredded chicken or beef, and your homemade tomato sauce. This dish is ideal for family dinners or gatherings. The sauce can also serve as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, adding a delightful sweetness and tang while keeping the protein moist. Lastly, consider adding a spoonful of the sauce to your tacos for a tasty and saucy twist. If you enjoy some heat, mix in a bit of hot sauce or sprinkle on red chile flakes.

How do you store basic all-purpose tomato sauce?

Let the sauce cool down completely. Once cooled, pour it into an airtight container, like a glass jar or plastic tub. Avoid metal containers, as they may react with the acidic tomatoes. Keep the sauce in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 4 days.

If you want to freeze the sauce, divide it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It's best to portion it into single servings to avoid thawing the whole batch. Try to remove as much air as possible from the containers or bags to minimize freezer burn. Be sure to label them with the date and contents for easy identification. The frozen sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.

To reheat sauce from the refrigerator, simply pour it into a saucepan and warm it over low heat until heated through. For frozen sauce, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. After thawing, reheat it and use it in your recipes.

What can I use instead of passata?

Crushed tomatoes serve as an excellent substitute for passata, providing a chunkier texture and a rich tomato taste. You can prepare them in the same manner as passata, but if you prefer a smoother sauce, simply blend them using a blender or food processor to achieve that desired consistency. Another option is canned tomato sauce, which is more processed than crushed or diced tomatoes, resulting in a velvety texture that’s ready to combine with other ingredients. You can also create your own passata by blending fresh tomatoes; just place them in a blender or food processor for a homemade tomato delight!

Additionally, San Marzano tomatoes, a variety of plum tomato, are celebrated for their sweetness and low acidity. You can substitute them for passata in a 1:1 ratio. Mixing different types of tomatoes can also enhance your sauce; for instance, combining crushed tomatoes, San Marzano tomatoes, and tomato paste can add depth to the flavor. Regardless of the substitute you opt for, be sure to sauté onion and garlic in olive oil before adding the tomatoes. This step will help to enhance the sauce's flavors and create a more delicious result.