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Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce from Canned Tomatoes (The Ultimate Weeknight Sauce)

Close-up of a small white bowl filled with vibrant, chunky homemade tomato sauce, seasoned with herbs.
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You can make restaurant-quality, rich tomato sauce at home in under 30 minutes using simple canned tomatoes. This easy homemade marinara tastes better than store-bought and is perfect for pasta, pizza, or chicken parmesan.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Pour the whole peeled tomatoes into a large bowl. Crush them thoroughly using your hands or a potato masher until you have a chunky consistency. Do not blend them completely smooth.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
  4. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan partially, and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld.
  5. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and sugar (if you prefer a less acidic sauce). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  6. Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the fresh basil leaves.
  7. Use this flavorful tomato sauce base immediately for your favorite pasta or pizza, or let it cool before storing.

Notes

  • For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to pulse the sauce a few times after cooking, but leave some texture.
  • This recipe freezes well. Cool the sauce completely, then store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • If you are using this as a sauce for pizza, simmer it for only 10 minutes to keep it slightly thicker.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/easy-rich-homemade-tomato-sauce-recipe/