Description
A rich, aromatic homemade tomato sauce simmered slowly with garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese—perfect for pastas, pizzas, and more.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped or minced
- 3–4 (28‑ounce) cans crushed tomatoes, or 12–15 fresh tomatoes
- 1½ teaspoons black pepper
- 4–6 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, or 1–2 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a 5‑quart (or larger) pot over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, careful not to let it brown.
- Stir in the tomatoes, black pepper, basil, and sugar, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, simmering for 2–3 hours—leaving the pot uncovered for the first half and covered for the second—stirring regularly.
- Stir in the cheese and continue simmering for another 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and use immediately or let cool for storage.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Brown ground meat separately for a meaty variation.
- Use grated carrot instead of sugar for natural sweetness.
- Fresh tomatoes can be blanched, peeled, and blended for use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
