Classic Tomato Sauce
Italian Recipes

Classic Tomato Sauce

ClassicSauceVegetarian4

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.

Method

10m25m35m
  1. Warm the olive oil in a medium saucepan over a medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped garlic and cook gently for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, without letting it colour.
  3. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and the pinch of sugar.
  4. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, then add the basil and dried oregano.
  5. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat, and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding a little more sugar if needed to balance acidity.
  7. Blend briefly for a smoother sauce, or leave chunky for a rustic texture.
  8. Serve immediately or cool fully before refrigerating or freezing.

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

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Italian
Classic
Sauce
Vegetarian

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