Hearty Rustic Tomato Basil Sauce
This Hearty Rustic Tomato Basil Sauce captures the essence of home-cooked Italian cuisine with every spoonful. A medley of aromatic vegetables and fragrant basil combine with rich crushed tomatoes in a simple yet satisfying sauce. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for various dishes, this recipe brings warmth to any meal. Enhanced with optional unsalted butter for a creamy finish, this sauce is a comforting staple that transforms simple ingredients into a delightful experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
small onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
celery stalk
1 (chopped)
carrot
1 (chopped)
crushed tomatoes
32 ounces (canned)
basil leaves
4-6 (fresh)
sea salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
unsalted butter
5 tablespoons (optional)
bay leaves
2 (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are soft and translucent, approximately 2 minutes.
3
Introduce the chopped celery and carrot to the pot. Season the mixture with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, stirring frequently until all the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add the basil leaves and bay leaves, and stir gently to combine.
5
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
6
After the simmering time, remove the bay leaves. Taste the sauce if needed; adjust seasoning as desired.
7
If the sauce appears too acidic, gradually stir in unsalted butter, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your preferred flavor profile.
8
For a touch of heat, add a few red pepper flakes according to your taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Rustic Tomato Basil Sauce?
It is a thick, home-style Italian sauce made with aromatic vegetables, fresh basil, and crushed tomatoes for a comforting meal base.
How long does this sauce take to cook?
The sauce requires about 7 minutes of sautéing followed by a 1-hour simmer to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Is this tomato sauce vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe consists of vegetables, herbs, and olive oil. If using the optional butter, it remains vegetarian.
How can I make this sauce vegan?
To make the sauce vegan, simply omit the optional unsalted butter or replace it with a plant-based butter alternative.
Why is butter added to the sauce?
Butter is an optional addition used to reduce acidity and create a creamier, smoother flavor profile.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 32 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes for the best rustic texture.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
This recipe specifically recommends using 4 to 6 fresh basil leaves for the most authentic fragrance.
Why are carrots and celery included in the sauce?
Carrots and celery, along with onions, form a flavor base that adds depth and natural sweetness to the tomato sauce.
Do I need to peel the vegetables?
The onion, garlic, and carrot should be prepared and chopped as indicated to ensure they soften correctly during cooking.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil to sauté the vegetables and add richness.
Can I make this sauce spicy?
Yes, you can add a few red pepper flakes at the end of the cooking process to achieve your preferred level of heat.
What should I do if the sauce is too acidic?
If the sauce tastes too acidic, gradually stir in unsalted butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the flavor is balanced.
Should I remove the bay leaves?
Yes, the 2 bay leaves should be removed after the simmering process is complete and before serving.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including the vegetables, tomatoes, and herbs, are naturally gluten-free.
What can I serve with this rustic sauce?
This sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a flavorful base for other Italian-inspired dishes.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves to provide an aromatic foundation.
Can I store leftovers of this sauce?
Yes, the sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for later use.
Do I need to stir the sauce while it simmers?
Yes, it is recommended to stir the sauce occasionally while it simmers for an hour to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, but you can adjust this to your personal taste.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe suggests unsalted butter to control the sodium levels, but if you use salted butter, reduce the amount of added sea salt.
What size onion is needed?
One small onion, finely chopped, is sufficient for this recipe.
Can I use an immersion blender for a smoother sauce?
While this is a rustic sauce, you can use an immersion blender after removing the bay leaves if you prefer a smoother consistency.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
There is no added sugar; the sweetness comes naturally from the sautéed carrots and onions.
How much black pepper should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
Can I use dried bay leaves?
Yes, 2 dried bay leaves are typically used in this simmering process.
What heat setting should I use for simmering?
The sauce should be simmered on a low heat setting with the pot covered.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including the optional butter and the seasoning.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch for meal prepping or large gatherings.
What kind of pot is best for this sauce?
A large pot or Dutch oven is ideal for accommodating the volume of the tomatoes and allowing space for simmering.
Does this sauce contain cholesterol?
The base sauce is cholesterol-free; however, adding the optional butter will introduce a small amount of cholesterol.