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Flavorful Tomato Sauce Recipe Easy Homemade Sauce That Never Gets Watery

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A rich, thick, and truly flavorful tomato sauce that holds its texture perfectly and never turns watery, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 28 ounces (800 grams) crushed canned tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft but not browned.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often to deepen flavor and reduce raw taste.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add salt, black pepper, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
  7. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  8. Stir in chopped fresh basil during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
  10. Serve immediately with pasta or store cooled in the refrigerator for later use.

Notes

Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent burning. Cook tomato paste before adding tomatoes to boost flavor. Simmer slowly to thicken naturally. Add pasta water to loosen sauce if too thick. Optionally blend with immersion blender for smoother texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato sauce, homemade tomato sauce, easy tomato sauce, thick tomato sauce, pasta sauce, Italian sauce, quick tomato sauce, flavorful tomato sauce

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/flavorful-tomato-sauce-recipe-easy-homemade-sauce-that-never-gets-watery/