Quick and Flavorful Tomato Basil Sauce
This Quick and Flavorful Tomato Basil Sauce is a vibrant, fresh-tasting pasta sauce that you can whip up in just 10 minutes using canned crushed tomatoes. Inspired by the culinary expertise of America's Test Kitchen, this recipe highlights the importance of using high-quality crushed tomatoes, such as Muir Glen or Tuttoroso, which are processed at a lower temperature to maintain their fresh flavor. Grating the onions promotes quicker caramelization, while the combination of butter and olive oil ensures a rich, sweet taste without bitterness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this sauce is a delightful complement to any pasta dish, bursting with the aromatic goodness of garlic and fresh basil.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1/4 cup (grated)
butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
crushed tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can
sugar
1/4 teaspoon
olive oil
1 tablespoon (extra virgin)
fresh basil
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbling.
2
Add the grated onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, allowing it to soften.
3
Sprinkle in the dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of salt; continue cooking, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes or until the onions start to turn golden brown.
4
Incorporate the crushed garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
5
Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes along with the sugar. Increase the heat to high and stir until the mixture begins to simmer.
6
Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7
Remove the sauce from heat and mix in the olive oil and chopped fresh basil. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
8
Serve immediately over your choice of pasta.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick and Flavorful Tomato Basil Sauce?
It is a vibrant, fresh-tasting pasta sauce that can be prepared in just 10 minutes using canned crushed tomatoes.
How long does it take to make this sauce?
The sauce can be whipped up in approximately 10 minutes of active cooking time.
Why should I use high-quality crushed tomatoes?
High-quality brands like Muir Glen or Tuttoroso are processed at lower temperatures, which helps maintain a fresh tomato flavor.
Why does the recipe recommend grating the onion?
Grating the onion promotes quicker caramelization and allows it to blend seamlessly into the sauce for a better texture.
What is the benefit of using both butter and olive oil?
The combination of butter and olive oil ensures a rich, sweet taste without any bitterness.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Quick and Flavorful Tomato Basil Sauce is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
Can I make this sauce vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative or by using additional olive oil.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary expertise of America's Test Kitchen.
How do I prepare the garlic for this sauce?
The recipe calls for two garlic cloves that should be crushed before being sautéed.
What type of basil should I use?
Fresh basil is used, specifically 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil added at the end of cooking.
What is the purpose of adding sugar?
A small amount of sugar (1/4 teaspoon) is added to help balance the acidity of the canned tomatoes.
When do I add the olive oil?
The extra virgin olive oil is mixed in after the sauce has been removed from the heat.
How long do I sauté the onions?
The grated onions should be sautéed for about 2 minutes until they soften, and then for 3 more minutes after adding seasonings.
What heat setting should I use for simmering?
Once the mixture begins to simmer on high heat, reduce it to medium-low for the remainder of the 10-minute simmer.
Can I use dried oregano in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses one 28-ounce can of tomatoes, which typically serves 4 to 6 people depending on the pasta portion.
Is this sauce suitable for busy weeknights?
Absolutely, its 10-minute cook time makes it perfect for quick weeknight meals.
What brands of tomatoes are recommended?
Muir Glen and Tuttoroso are specifically recommended for their quality and processing methods.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
When do I add the garlic to the pan?
Add the crushed garlic after the onions have turned golden brown and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter to better control the overall sodium content of the sauce.
What type of olive oil is best?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its superior flavor when finishing the sauce.
Can I adjust the seasoning at the end?
Yes, you should adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste after adding the basil and oil.
How much onion is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of grated onion.
Does this sauce contain fiber?
The recipe is based on tomatoes and onions which naturally contain fiber, though specific nutritional counts are not provided.
How should I serve this sauce?
Serve it immediately over your choice of pasta.
Is the garlic sautéed for a long time?
No, the garlic is only sautéed for 30 seconds to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Key tags include pasta sauce, tomato sauce, quick recipe, fresh ingredients, and Italian cuisine.
Can I use this as a base for other dishes?
Yes, this flavorful tomato basil base can be used for various Italian-inspired dishes beyond just pasta.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it is bubbling.