Description
A fresh and flavorful pasta sauce made from ripe tomatoes, sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh basil, simmered to perfection. This simple homemade sauce is perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta and can be stored for days in the fridge or months in the freezer.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 pounds tomatoes (a mix of San Marzano, Roma, heirloom, or Campari)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Pantry Items
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Dairy
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Shred the onion: Shred the yellow onion on a cutting board using a box grater to create fine pieces that will soften quickly during cooking.
- Prepare the tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes in half and shred them using a box grater, discarding the skins afterward to ensure a smooth sauce texture.
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat so it’s hot but not smoking, ready for sautéing.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the grated onion to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add tomatoes and tomato paste: Stir in the shredded tomatoes and 1 tablespoon tomato paste, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a low simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish the sauce: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and 2 tablespoons of butter to add richness and fresh herbal notes.
- Serve with pasta: Toss the sauce with 1 pound of cooked pasta. Optionally, top with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor before serving immediately.
- Store leftovers: Refrigerate any leftover sauce for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 6 months to enjoy later.
Notes
- Use a mixture of tomato varieties for a complex, balanced flavor.
- Discarding tomato skins ensures a smoother sauce texture.
- Butter added at the end enriches the sauce and balances acidity.
- Serve with any type of pasta, cooked al dente.
- Optional Parmesan cheese topping adds a salty, nutty dimension.
- Store sauce properly in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
