Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 medium white onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced
- 4 medium garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Italian parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a medium saucepot over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onions, finely diced carrots, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sauté until the onions are translucent, and the carrots have softened.
2. Add Garlic:
- Add the crushed garlic to the sautéed vegetables and cook for about 2 minutes or until the garlic is lightly browned.
3. Incorporate Crushed Tomatoes:
- Increase the heat to high and pour the canned crushed tomatoes into the saucepan.
- Stir in the finely chopped basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring often.
4. Sweeten with Sugar:
- Stir in the sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the sauce cook for 5-7 minutes or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Add Fresh Parsley:
- Stir in the finely chopped Italian parsley and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to infuse the sauce with flavor.
6. Adjust Seasoning:
- Remove the sauce from heat and taste it. Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- This homemade Italian tomato sauce is perfect for serving over spaghetti or as a dip for warm garlic bread.
- You can also make a double batch and freeze some for future use. Homemade sauce always tastes better than store-bought!
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll discover how easy it is to make a flavorful Italian tomato sauce right at home. The combination of fresh herbs and a touch of sugar creates an authentic taste that’s perfect for a variety of dishes.