basil tomato sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best basil tomato sauce recipe

I’m so excited to share this recipe for basil tomato sauce with you all. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The first time I made it, I was a bit skeptical about using fresh basil, but the flavor it adds is just incredible.

It’s like a taste of summer in every bite. I’ve since made it for countless gatherings and special occasions, and it never fails to impress. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they’re always eager to get involved when I’m making this sauce.

They love the smell of the basil and the way the tomatoes simmer down to create this rich, velvety sauce. It’s really a perfect recipe for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special celebration. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – with fresh basil and no added sugars or preservatives, you can feel good about what you’re feeding your family.

This sauce is also incredibly versatile – use it as a base for pasta dishes, pizza sauces, or even as a dip for veggies. The possibilities are endless! I’ve also found that using high-quality ingredients makes all the difference in this recipe.

Don’t skimp on the fresh basil or use those pre-chopped tomatoes from a jar – take the time to do it right, and trust me when I say it’s worth it.

Classic Basil Tomato Sauce

4.6 from 1335 votes

A vibrant and aromatic sauce made with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 large ripe tomatoes, diced (about 4 cups)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
2Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and translucent.
3Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4Then add the diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
5Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
6The sauce should be rich and slightly chunky when done.
7Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil.
8Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
9Serve immediately over pasta or use as desired.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or saucepan
Wooden spoon
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 14g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

For a smoother sauce, blend the cooked sauce with an immersion blender before adding the basil. You can also add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.

Watch Video Of How Classic Basil Tomato Sauce Works

This basil tomato sauce is always a good idea for any occasion because it is simple, versatile, and full of flavor. For storage let the sauce cool completely then keep it in a glass jar in the fridge for up to five days or freeze it in portion sized containers for up to three months.

To reheat just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave stirring occasionally. Serve it over spaghetti, use it as a pizza base, or spoon it over grilled chicken or fish.

It works well for family gatherings because everyone loves a good tomato sauce and you can make it ahead of time so you have less to do on the day. I always keep a batch in my freezer and it saves me on busy nights.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basil Tomato Sauce

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes you can use fresh tomatoes especially when they are in season. Just blanch and peel them first then chop them up. You may need to simmer the sauce a bit longer to thicken it because fresh tomatoes have more water. Canned tomatoes are more consistent and save time so I usually go with those.

2. How do I store leftover basil tomato sauce?

Let the sauce cool completely then put it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to five days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

3. Can I add meat or vegetables to this sauce?

Absolutely. You can brown ground beef or Italian sausage before adding the tomatoes for a heartier sauce. For vegetables try sauteed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the garlic. Just adjust the seasoning to taste. The basil still works well with these additions.

4. Why does my sauce taste bitter?

Bitterness can come from overcooking the garlic or using basil that is too old. Add the garlic just until it is fragrant and not browned. Use fresh basil and add it at the end of cooking. Also make sure your tomatoes are good quality because low quality ones can be bitter.

5. Can I make this sauce vegan or gluten free?

Yes this sauce is naturally vegan and gluten free as long as you use olive oil and no cheese. Just check that your canned tomatoes do not have any added ingredients. It is a great base for many diets and you can serve it with gluten free pasta or zucchini noodles.

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