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Easy Tomato Sauce

Rich, velvety homemade tomato sauce that transforms simple pantry ingredients into liquid comfort, ready in just 20 minutes with 5 minutes of active cooking.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 45
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves

Method
 

  1. Warm olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. The oil should shimmer slightly but not smoke.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Watch carefully—garlic goes from golden to burnt quickly.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes carefully to avoid splattering. Stir in oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. Taste after 10 minutes—if it seems acidic, add sugar to balance the flavors. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves. Let the sauce rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together perfectly.

Notes

Double the batch and freeze half for busy weeknights. Refrigerate leftovers for up to one week in airtight containers. Freeze for three months in freezer-safe bags. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore silky texture. Don't rush the garlic or use high heat to avoid bitter undertones and watery sauce.