Classic Tomato Sauce
This classic tomato sauce is a dependable base recipe with clean tomato flavour, gentle garlic warmth and a rounded herb finish. It is written and works beautifully as an all-purpose sauce.
Use it straight away for pasta or pizza, or cool and refrigerate for quick midweek meals. A short simmer concentrates the flavour while keeping the texture fresh and light.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- Fine Sea Salt, to taste
- 1 pinch Caster Sugar optional, to balance acidity
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 800 g Ripe Tomatoes chopped
- 15 g Fresh Basil Leaves roughly torn
- Black Pepper freshly ground, to taste
- 2 Garlic Cloves finely chopped
Method
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- Warm the olive oil in a medium saucepan over a medium heat.
- Add the chopped garlic and cook gently for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, without letting it colour.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and the pinch of sugar.
- Season lightly with salt and black pepper, then add the basil and dried oregano.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat, and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding a little more sugar if needed to balance acidity.
- Blend briefly for a smoother sauce, or leave chunky for a rustic texture.
- Serve immediately or cool fully before refrigerating or freezing.