Classic Italian Tomato Basil Sauce
Experience the authentic taste of Italy with this Classic Italian Tomato Basil Sauce. Perfect for pasta, pizzas, and more, this rich and flavorful sauce is crafted using fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. The slow-simmering process enhances the depth of flavor, making it a staple in any kitchen. Enjoy the convenience of storing leftovers for future meals, ensuring you always have this savory delight on hand.
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/2 cup
onion
1 small (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
celery
1 stalk (chopped)
carrot
1 (chopped)
sea salt
(& freshly ground black pepper)
crushed tomatoes
64 ounces ((2 cans, 32 ounces each))
basil leaves
4-6
bay leaves
2 ((optional for aromatic touch))
unsalted butter
as needed ((1 tablespoon increments, optional for balancing acidity))
Instructions
1
In a large casserole pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 2 minutes.
2
Add the chopped celery and carrots. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Continue sautéing until all the vegetables are tender, around 5 minutes.
3
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the basil leaves and bay leaves (if using). Stir well, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 1 hour or until thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally.
4
Remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning, adding salt or pepper as needed. If the sauce is too acidic, incorporate unsalted butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the flavors are balanced.
5
Transfer half of the sauce to a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Repeat with the remaining sauce for a silkier finish.
6
If storing for future use, allow the sauce to cool completely. Pour into freezer-safe plastic bags in 1- to 2-cup portions. The sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Italian Tomato Basil Sauce?
It is an authentic, rich, and flavorful Italian sauce made with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, combined with crushed tomatoes and aromatic basil.
How long does it take to simmer the sauce?
The sauce should simmer gently for about 1 hour or until it reaches your desired thickness.
Can I freeze this tomato basil sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers once it has cooled completely.
How long does the sauce stay fresh in the freezer?
This sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
What ingredients are in the vegetable base?
The base consists of chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrot sautéed in olive oil.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 24 servings.
How do I balance the acidity of the tomatoes?
If the sauce is too acidic, you can stir in unsalted butter one tablespoon at a time until the flavor is balanced.
Is this sauce smooth or chunky?
The instructions recommend blending the sauce in a food processor or blender for a smooth and silky finish.
Can I use this for pasta?
Yes, this versatile sauce is perfect for pasta, pizzas, and many other Italian dishes.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
Fresh basil leaves and bay leaves are used to provide an aromatic herbal flavor.
Is this recipe vegan?
The base recipe is vegan, but it becomes non-vegan if you choose to add optional butter to balance the acidity.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of olive oil to sauté the vegetables.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 2 chopped garlic cloves for this sauce recipe.
Can I leave out the bay leaves?
Yes, bay leaves are optional but recommended for an extra aromatic touch.
How do I prepare the sauce for freezing?
Allow it to cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe plastic bags in 1- to 2-cup portions.
What type of salt is recommended?
Sea salt is recommended, along with freshly ground black pepper.
How many cans of tomatoes are needed?
You need 64 ounces of crushed tomatoes, which is typically two 32-ounce cans.
Do I need to sauté the vegetables first?
Yes, you should sauté the onion and garlic for 2 minutes, then add celery and carrots for another 5 minutes before adding tomatoes.
What is the serving size for this sauce?
The specific serving size is not specified, but the total recipe yields 24 servings.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, all the primary ingredients in this tomato basil sauce are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use a blender to smooth the sauce?
Yes, a food processor or blender can be used to process the sauce until smooth.
What if I do not have sea salt?
You can substitute with regular table salt, though you may need to adjust the amount to taste.
Should I cover the pot while simmering?
Yes, the instructions suggest covering the pot while the sauce simmers on low heat.
Can I add other vegetables?
While this is a classic recipe, you can experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers if desired.
How many basil leaves should I add?
The recipe suggests using between 4 to 6 fresh basil leaves.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
While the instructions specify a casserole pot on the stove, the ingredients can be adapted for a slow cooker.
Is this sauce spicy?
No, this is a savory and herbal sauce, but you can add red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, though you may need to peel and crush them first and potentially adjust the simmering time.
What kind of pot is best?
A large casserole pot is recommended for even heating and enough space for simmering.
Why is butter an optional ingredient?
Butter is used specifically as a technique to mellow out the sharp acidity of the tomatoes if needed.