Ina Garten Tomato Sauce Recipe
A rich and flavorful tomato sauce can transform any meal. This Ina Garten Tomato Sauce Recipe is simple, fresh and delicious. It uses fresh ingredients and cooks slowly to develop deep flavor.
Ingredients
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Onion finely chopped – 1 medium
- Garlic cloves minced – 4
- Canned whole tomatoes – 2 cans 28 oz each
- Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
- Fresh basil leaves – 6–8
- Sugar – 1 tsp optional, to balance acidity
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – 1/2 tsp
- Red pepper flakes – 1/4 tsp optional
- Water or chicken broth – 1/2 cup optional, for thinner sauce
Instructions
Heat the Olive Oil
- Add olive oil to a large saucepan over medium heat. Heat until shimmering but not smoking. This creates a base for sautéing onions and garlic.
Sauté the Onions
- Add chopped onions to the pan. Cook for 5–6 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent browning and enhance sweetness.
Add Garlic
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes. Be careful not to burn garlic, or the sauce will taste bitter. Stir frequently.
Add Tomatoes
- Pour canned whole tomatoes into the pan. Break them up with a spoon or potato masher. This starts forming the sauce base with natural tomato flavor.
Add Tomato Paste and Herbs
- Stir in tomato paste and fresh basil. Add optional sugar, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Mix everything well to combine flavors evenly.
Simmer the Sauce
- Reduce heat to low and cover partially. Simmer for 30–40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and develop a rich, thick texture.
Adjust Consistency
- If sauce is too thick, add water or broth gradually. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper or sugar as needed for balance.
Blend if Desired
- For a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender or regular blender carefully. Blend until desired texture. Leave some chunks if you prefer a rustic style.
Serve or Store
- Serve sauce hot over pasta, chicken or meatballs. Let cool before storing in airtight containers for later use.
Notes
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for best flavor.
- Cook on low heat for deeper flavor.
- Add fresh basil near the end to keep it bright.
- Taste and adjust seasoning frequently.
- Avoid burning garlic by adding it after onions are soft.
- Use tomato paste for richer, thicker sauce.