Basic Tomato Sauce Recipe

Master the art of Italian cooking with this simple yet flavorful tomato sauce, inspired by Mario Batali's 'Simple Italian Cooking'. Perfect for pasta dishes like Timpano di Maccheronni (#85372) or as a base for heartier meals such as Rolled Flank Steak with Green Olives and Oregano (#57351). This recipe delivers a rich, vibrant sauce in just an hour, transforming everyday ingredients into culinary magic.

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 60 mins
Calories 216.9 kcal
Protein 8g
Rating 5.0 (4 Reviews)
Basic Tomato Sauce

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Basic Tomato Sauce

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Spanish Onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh Thyme Leaves
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • Whole Tomatoes
  • Salt to taste

How to Make Basic Tomato Sauce

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, and 2 minced cloves of garlic. Cook until soft and light golden brown, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves and 1 medium carrot, finely diced. Cook for 5 more minutes, until the carrot is quite soft.
  4. Add 28 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes with their juices. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to the consistency of hot cereal. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Season generously with salt to taste.
  7. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta or use as a base for other dishes. This sauce will keep for one week refrigerated or up to 6 months frozen.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Small additions can make a big impact! Try a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of your favorite spice blend, or a squeeze of citrus just before serving to really enhance the flavors of your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

1 g

Sugar

51g

Fat

10g

Carbs

7g