Simple Tomato Sauce
Updated July 23, 2025
- Total Time
- 45 minutes
- Rating
- Comments
- Read comments
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Ingredients
- ¼cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- ¼teaspoon red chile flakes (optional)
- 2(28-ounce) cans whole or diced plum tomatoes
- 2sprigs basil or 1 bay leaf
- ½teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ¼teaspoon black pepper
Nutritional analysis per serving (10 servings)
79 calories; 6 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 7 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 4 grams sugars; 1 gram protein; 102 milligrams sodium
Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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Preparation
- Step 1
In a large, straight-sided skillet over medium heat, warm the oil. Add garlic and cook until just lightly golden. Add chile flakes if desired and cook 30 seconds.
- Step 2
Stir in tomatoes and juices, basil or bay leaf, and salt and pepper.
- Step 3
Bring sauce to a simmer and cook until sauce is thick and tomatoes have mostly fallen apart, about 30 to 40 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to keep at a steady simmer. If using whole plum tomatoes, mash them up with the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher to help them break down. Remove sauce from heat and discard basil or bay leaf.
Private Notes
Comments
If you'd like elevate a bit little without over-complicating, I would add any of the following : saute some diced onion and a diced red bell pepper, a cup (give or take) of red wine (maybe cab sav or Chianti if you want to keep it Italian) (reduced before you add the tomatoes), a table spoon or two of sugar, and/or a teaspoon or two of balsamic vinegar. I usually blend with an immersion blender for a smooth sauce, just make sure you remove the bay leaf beforehand. Deliciouso!
Even tastier and simpler throw all the ingredients into a roasting pan drizzle the olive oil and salt/pepper over the top and put in 375 degree oven for 40 minutes. Just use an immersion blender to create the consistency of the sauce you desire.
This recipe should be the definition of "simple". I added both basil AND bay leaf... call me crazy. I used canned crushed tomatoes as opposed to whole/diced as I find the consistency to be hardier + more flavorful..
Is it 2 x 28 oz cans or is it 2x14oz cans (common size over here in Europe) for 28oz altogether?
This sauce and her marinara turn out perfectly every time I make them. They're quick to prepare and they're good on any kind of pasta or with meatballs and/or sausages on a sandwich.
Real Italian comment found: In sauces for pasta we rarely use any garlic when there is tomato sauce. Garlic is mostly browned in oil in the frying pan before adding ingredients like meat, certain vegetables or mushrooms but this is not specific to sauces. The big chunks are taken away from the food afterward. For sauces onion is the main ingredient usually and for things like ragù there is a base of celery and carrots as well. But no, garlic is not a main ingredient in sauces.