Basic Tomato Sauce

Name: Basic Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 large ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped (or 2 cans chopped tomatoes if fresh unavailable); 3 medium onions, finely chopped; 7 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes, or to taste; 1 tablespoon sugar; 10 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn; Salt to taste; Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Recipe GLPR77eb5b63d95179

Italian

Sauce & Condiment

55 min

138 cal

Servings: 6

Stovetop

SNAP eligible

A vibrant, versatile tomato sauce made from fresh ripe tomatoes, garlic, and aromatics. This classic preparation features a balanced blend of herbs and spices that allows the natural sweetness of tomatoes to shine. Perfect as a foundation for pasta, soups, or any dish requiring a flavorful tomato base. The slow cooking develops deep, complex flavors while maintaining a bright finish.

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Ingredients

12 large ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped (or 2 cans chopped tomatoes if fresh unavailable)

3 medium onions, finely chopped

7 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon red chilli flakes, or to taste

1 tablespoon sugar

10 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

Salt to taste

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onions and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and begin to soften, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the softened onions and stir continuously for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown.
Pour in the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes with their juices) and stir well to combine with the onion and garlic base.
Add the dried oregano, red chilli flakes, and sugar to the pot. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help break down the tomatoes into a smooth consistency.
Stir in the torn fresh basil leaves and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to allow the basil to infuse the sauce.
Remove from heat and use immediately, or allow to cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Comments

Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff4.5

Every ingredient is stocked at every major Charlotte chain, and the cost per serving lands around 50–70 cents, driven mainly by the tomato base. The stated 55 minutes is honest for simmering, though active prep adds another 10 minutes of chopping. This is a no-fuss, hands-off sauce that reheats beautifully and feeds a family of six as a base for pasta or other dishes. North Carolina's local tomato season (July through September) makes this especially economical and fresh in summer, though canned tomatoes in winter are reliably cheap here year-round.