Pasta Sauce
Pasta Sauce is a classic Italian condiment that blends sweet and savory flavors beautifully. Easy to make and vegan-friendly, this homemade sauce comes together in less than 30 minutes. It's the perfect complement to pasta, pizza, lasagna, or polenta, making it an ideal choice for both lunch and dinner.
Ingredients
- 28 oz Tomato crushed
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- ¼ cup Carrot crushed
- ¼ cup Onion white, chopped
- 1 tbsp Garlic minced
- 2 tsp Oregano dried
- 2 tsp Basil Leaves dried
- 1 ½ tsp Parsley dried
- 1 ½ tsp Chili Flakes optional
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Making Pasta Sauce
- Start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and sauté until it becomes aromatic, releasing its full flavor.
- Add the onions next and continue cooking until they are soft and translucent, which will form the flavor base of your sauce.
- Introduce the crushed carrots to the pan, sautéing them for about 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften. The carrots add natural sweetness and help thicken the sauce.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir thoroughly to combine them with the other ingredients. This ensures the flavors begin to meld together.
- Season the sauce with oregano, basil, parsley, and chili flakes, adding a pinch of salt. Give everything a good mix to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Cover the pan with its lid and let the sauce simmer gently. Allow it to cook for about 7 to 10 minutes, which will help the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Check the sauce for consistency and flavor balance. Once it has thickened and the flavors are well combined, it is ready to be served. Adjust the salt if necessary, right before serving, to perfect the taste.
Serving
- Pour this sauce over your favorite pasta, stirring well to coat each strand evenly, for a delightful lunch or dinner. You can also use it in recipes like Chicken Parmesan that require a rich tomato sauce. For more ideas, check out our 'How to Use' section below.
Notes
Here are my top tips for crafting the perfect Pasta Sauce:
- Tomato Selection: For ease and consistency, opt for store-bought crushed tomatoes which provide a reliably thick texture. If you prefer a fresher, more authentic flavor, use fresh tomatoes instead—just make sure to crush them well in a blender.
- Adding Carrots: Incorporating carrots not only infuses the sauce with natural sweetness but also enhances its fresh flavor, significantly enriching the overall taste.
- Herb Choices: While dried Italian herbs are convenient and commonly used in this recipe, consider using fresh herbs if available. They offer a more intense and vibrant flavor to the sauce.
- Thickness Without Cream: The thickness of this sauce comes from a careful simmering process rather than the addition of cream. For the best consistency, refrain from adding water to quicken the thickening; let it simmer slowly to achieve the perfect texture.
- Seasoning Adjustment: As your sauce simmers, taste it and adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences. A pinch of sugar can help balance the tomatoes' acidity, and a dash of salt will bring out the flavors of the herbs and vegetables.
- Simmering Time: If you have time, let the sauce simmer uncovered on low heat. This slow cooking process enhances the sauce’s flavor and thickness. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors will blend together.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 364mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2157IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg
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