Classic Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced 2 pounds (900g) ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig of thyme 1 sprig of thyme
• 4-5 fresh basil leaves, torn 4-5 fresh basil leaves, torn
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 80 kcal / 335 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 0.4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute to enhance its flavor.
4. 4.
   Add the diced tomatoes, sugar, bay leaf, and thyme to the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprig from the sauce.
7. 7.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the sauce until smooth.
8. 8.
   Return the sauce to the pan and add the torn basil leaves. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
9. 9.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute. Make sure to drain the canned tomatoes before using them in the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoother sauce, pass it through a fine-mesh sieve after blending to remove any remaining tomato seeds or skin.
• If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip the blending step and leave the sauce as is.
• Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for an extra depth of flavor.
• Freeze any leftover sauce in an airtight container for future use.
• Experiment with different herbs like oregano or parsley to customize the flavor according to your preference.

Serving advice

Serve the Classic Tomato Sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. Top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil for a delightful meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil to add a touch of elegance to the presentation. Serve the sauce in a shallow bowl or on a plate to showcase its vibrant color.