Teresa's Recipes
Homemade Italian Red Sauce
Transport yourself to the heart of Italy with this homemade red sauce, rich in flavor and bursting with the essence of fresh herbs. A perfect companion for your pasta dishes, this sauce combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with aromatic garlic and a hint of spice. Whether slathered over spaghetti or used as a base for lasagna, this sauce is sure to elevate your meals and impress your family and friends. With roots tracing back to the Italian countryside, red sauce has become a staple in kitchens worldwide, bringing warmth and comfort to the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium, chopped Onion
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon (adjust for spice preference) Red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, ensuring the paste is fully dissolved.
- Add the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After 45 minutes, remove the lid and stir in the freshly chopped basil. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, sugar, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- Serve the red sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it as a base for dishes like lasagna or baked ziti.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during the simmering process.
- You can blend the sauce for a smoother texture if you prefer.
- This sauce can be made in larger batches and frozen for later use.