Simple Tomato Sauce

Simple Tomato Sauce
Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times
Total Time
45 minutes
Rating
5(2,458)
Comments
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The simplest of tomato sauces, this quick-cooking marinara is fresh-tasting and bright. It freezes well if you want to double up on the quantities, though you might have to cook it a bit longer to make up for the extra volume. In the accompanying picture, it's used in a recipe for cauliflower Parmesan.

Featured in: Parm Dishes to Warm Weary Souls

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Ingredients

Yield:About 5 cups
  • ¼cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • ¼teaspoon red chile flakes (optional)
  • 2(28-ounce) cans whole or diced plum tomatoes
  • 2sprigs basil or 1 bay leaf
  • ½teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • ¼teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (10 servings)

79 calories; 6 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 7 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 4 grams sugars; 1 gram protein; 102 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large, straight-sided skillet over medium heat, warm the oil. Add garlic and cook until just lightly golden. Add chile flakes if desired and cook 30 seconds.

  2. Step 2

    Stir in tomatoes and juices, basil or bay leaf, and salt and pepper.

  3. Step 3

    Bring sauce to a simmer and cook until sauce is thick and tomatoes have mostly fallen apart, about 30 to 40 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to keep at a steady simmer. If using whole plum tomatoes, mash them up with the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher to help them break down. Remove sauce from heat and discard basil or bay leaf.

Ratings

5 out of 5
2,458 user ratings
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Comments

If you'd like elevate a bit little without over-complicating, I would add any of the following : saute some diced onion and a diced red bell pepper, a cup (give or take) of red wine (maybe cab sav or Chianti if you want to keep it Italian) (reduced before you add the tomatoes), a table spoon or two of sugar, and/or a teaspoon or two of balsamic vinegar. I usually blend with an immersion blender for a smooth sauce, just make sure you remove the bay leaf beforehand. Deliciouso!

Even tastier and simpler throw all the ingredients into a roasting pan drizzle the olive oil and salt/pepper over the top and put in 375 degree oven for 40 minutes. Just use an immersion blender to create the consistency of the sauce you desire.

This recipe should be the definition of "simple". I added both basil AND bay leaf... call me crazy. I used canned crushed tomatoes as opposed to whole/diced as I find the consistency to be hardier + more flavorful..

I won a meatball competition using this sauce. Only change is that I increased the amount of garlic considerably. Also had to add a little sugar as the canned tomatoes I was using were a little too acidic.

It's OK, but really needs a little more. I'd at least add half a diced onion, sauteed.

So easy, I added a sprig of thyme as I didn't have any fresh basil. Also added a tbsp of sugar. Used to simmer meatballs in and cooked for a few hours until we were ready to eat. Much better than store-bought.

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