Quick Homemade Tomato Sauce

Embark on a culinary journey to Italy without leaving your kitchen with our Quick Homemade Italian Tomato Sauce recipe! Bursting with vibrant flavors and made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this sauce is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite pasta dishes, pizzas, and more. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of spaghetti or planning a homemade pizza night, this versatile sauce will elevate your meals to new heights. So, roll up your sleeves, sharpen your knives, and let’s dive into the art of Italian cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 medium white onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced
• 4 medium garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Italian parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, finely diced carrots, and crushed garlic cloves. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Crushed Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sugar, stirring to combine.
3. Season and Simmer: Add the chopped basil, Italian parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook and Reduce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to taste.
6. Serve or Store: Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat. Serve immediately over cooked pasta or use it as a base for your favorite Italian dishes. Alternatively, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers for storage in the refrigerator or freezer.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Texture Variation: For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and puree until smooth before serving.
• Herb Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your sauce. Thyme, oregano, or rosemary can be used in place of or in addition to basil and parsley.
• Vegetable Additions: Enhance the nutritional value of your sauce by adding finely diced vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Keto Version:

For a keto-friendly version of this Italian Tomato Sauce, you’ll need to make a few adjustments to the recipe. Replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. Reduce the amount of carrots or omit them altogether to lower the carb content. Use a minimal amount of onions or substitute them with shallots for a milder flavor. With these modifications, you can enjoy a delicious keto-friendly tomato sauce that’s perfect for your low-carb lifestyle.

Low Carb Version:

To make a low-carb version of this sauce, follow the same substitutions as the keto version, but be mindful of the portion sizes of higher-carb vegetables such as onions and carrots. You can also use crushed tomatoes with no added sugar for a lower-carb option. Enjoy this flavorful sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a satisfying low-carb meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? A: Absolutely! If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can blanch, peel, and crush them to use in place of canned crushed tomatoes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How long does this sauce keep in the refrigerator? A: This tomato sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

Q: Can I freeze leftover sauce? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover sauce in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time? A: Absolutely! This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

In conclusion, our Quick Homemade Italian Tomato Sauce is a true taste of Italy that’s both easy to make and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight meal or hosting a dinner party, this sauce is sure to impress with its rich flavor and aromatic herbs. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Italy. So, why not give this recipe a try and experience the joy of homemade Italian cooking in your own kitchen? Buon appetito!