Quick Tomato Sauce

In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a versatile and delicious Quick Tomato Sauce using ingredients you likely already have at home. This sauce is a true kitchen workhorse, serving as an excellent all-purpose red sauce for pasta or any recipe that calls for tomato sauce. It’s the perfect solution when you need a flavorful tomato sauce without spending hours in the kitchen. With this recipe yielding 1 quart of sauce, you’ll have plenty to use in various dishes.

Yields 1 quart

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic (about 5 cloves)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (choose a domestic brand like Redpack, Progresso, Hunt’s, or Muir Glen Organic)
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes in purée
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat for about 1 minute.
2. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and dried oregano (if using) to the heated oil. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and sugar, and continue cooking while stirring for an additional 5 minutes. This will help to develop the flavors and remove the raw taste of the tomato paste.
4. Add both the crushed tomatoes and the diced tomatoes in purée to the saucepan. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering process will further meld the flavors and create a rich and flavorful tomato sauce.

USES:

Here are some creative uses for your Quick Tomato Sauce:

• Pasta Sauce: Toss it with your favorite pasta for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Pizza Sauce: Spread it on pizza dough as a flavorful pizza sauce base, then add your preferred toppings and cheese.
• Rice or Quinoa Bowl: Drizzle it over a bowl of cooked rice or quinoa, along with sautéed vegetables and your choice of protein for a speedy meal.
• Stews and Soups: Use it as a base for stews, soups, and chilis to infuse them with tomato goodness.
• Eggs in Purgatory: Make shakshuka or “eggs in purgatory” by poaching eggs in the sauce for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
• Meat or Vegetarian Lasagna: Use it as a sauce layer in your favorite lasagna recipe.
• Chicken Parmesan: Top breaded and cooked chicken breasts with this sauce and melted cheese for a classic Chicken Parmesan dish.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dipping sauce for garlic bread or mozzarella sticks.
• Baked Dishes: Use it as a sauce for baked pasta dishes like baked ziti or stuffed shells.
• Meatball Subs: Make meatball subs by simmering meatballs in this sauce and placing them in a sub roll with melted cheese.

This Quick Tomato Sauce is a kitchen staple that can save you time without compromising on flavor. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or adding it to your favorite recipes, its robust tomato taste will enhance your culinary creations. Enjoy the convenience of homemade tomato sauce anytime you need it!