Simple Tomato-Based Pasta Sauce with Basic Ingredients

Creating a delicious tomato-based pasta sauce is easier than you might think, especially if you have a few essential ingredients on hand. Whether you're cooking for a family or preparing a meal for your friends, this simple recipe using basic ingredients like garlic, salt, pepper, onions, and chopped tomatoes will become your go-to sauce. Let's get started!

Ingredients Needed

Tomatoes (fresh or canned) Garlic cloves Onions Garlic salt Black pepper Sugar (optional) Bay leaves (optional) Chives, parsley, or fresh herbs (optional) Red pepper flakes (optional) Olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

To start, you will need a few basic tools. A large Dutch oven or pot is ideal for cooking the tomatoes, while a cast iron skillet is perfect for sautéing the aromatics. Here's a detailed guide on how to make your simple yet flavorful tomato-based pasta sauce:

Prepare the Tomatoes

Peel the tomatoes. You can do this by quartering the tomatoes, removing the core, and then blanching them in boiling water for a few seconds. This makes the skin peel off easily. Alternatively, you can use canned tomatoes for convenience. Chop the tomatoes into smaller pieces.

A Dutch oven is perfect for cooking the tomatoes and maintaining a steady simmer. These tomatoes will form the base of your sauce.

Sauté Aromatics and Herbs

In a cast iron skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute or two until fragrant. Include other aromatics if desired, such as celery, bay leaves, parsley, and thyme. Sauté these for a minute to release their flavors.

These aromatics form the base of the sauce and add depth and complexity to the taste.

Mix the Tomatoes and Aromatics

Add the chopped tomatoes to the Dutch oven and bring to a simmer. Let the tomatoes cook for about 1 to 2 hours until they are soft and the sauce has thickened. You can adjust the cooking time based on the desired consistency. Season the sauce with garlic salt, black pepper, and a tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.

Cooking the sauce for a longer time allows the flavors to meld together. You can also add other ingredients of your choice, such as red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a splash of wine or stock for added depth.

Enhance Your Sauce

Your sauce can be personalized with additional flavors. Here are a few suggestions:

Wine: For an extra layer of complexity, you can deglaze the cast iron skillet with a splash of red or white wine before adding the tomatoes. Cook the wine down a bit before adding it to the tomatoes. Stock: Use chicken or vegetable stock to add more flavor and body to the sauce. Spices: Add some chives, parsley, or other fresh herbs to enhance the aroma and flavor. Heat: If you enjoy a little kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Tips for Perfect Pasta Sauce

Cooking Time: The longer you cook the tomatoes, the smoother and more velvety your sauce will be. A few hours of slow cooking will thicken the sauce and enhance the flavors. Fresh vs. Canned: Fresh tomatoes offer a more vibrant flavor, but canned tomatoes are more convenient. The choice is up to you! Storage: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for later use.

Conclusion

Now you have a simple yet delicious tomato-based pasta sauce recipe to use in your next cooking adventure. Explore different flavors and spices to customize the sauce to your taste. Cooking in Italy is often simple yet hearty, and you can achieve similar results in your kitchen. Buon appetito!

Related Recipes and Tips

For more ideas and variations, consider exploring other pasta sauce recipes online. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner, there's always something new to learn about making the perfect pasta sauce.

Happy cooking!