Basil Tomato Sauce Recipe

This vibrant basil tomato sauce recipe is a family favorite, passed down from a cooking class! It's surprisingly light and fragrant, bursting with fresh basil flavor. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for your favorite Italian dishes. Easy to follow instructions make this a must-try for both beginner and experienced cooks.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Calories 71.9 kcal
Protein 5g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Basil Tomato Sauce 21

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Basil Tomato Sauce

  • one (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Thyme Leaves (not used in recipe)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

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How to Make Basil Tomato Sauce

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add 1 medium onion, chopped, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add 4 cloves of garlic, smashed, and cook for about 2 minutes, until fragrant.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add one (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, and bring to a simmer over low heat. Stir frequently.
  6. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced by about a quarter, approximately 20-25 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat. Carefully use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth. (Alternatively, carefully transfer to a regular blender in batches.)
  8. Stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar.
  9. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Serve over your favorite pasta or use as a pizza sauce.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

12 g

Sugar

43g

Fat

0g

Carbs

5g

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