Diced Tomato Sauce
Elevate your homemade meals with this robust and versatile Diced Tomato Sauce, a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. This recipe combines pantry staples like canned or fresh diced tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and finely chopped onion, sautéed in silky olive oil to create a rich, comforting base. Infused with classic Italian herbs like basil and oregano, a touch of sugar for balance, and optional red chili flakes for a hint of heat, it’s simmered to perfection for a depth of flavor that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. Whether you prefer a chunky texture or a smooth finish, this sauce is easy to customize and pairs beautifully with pasta, pizza, or any dish in need of a vibrant tomato boost. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s your go-to recipe for fresh, homemade tomato sauce that can be refrigerated or frozen for later. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep staples, this kitchen must-have is sure to become a favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the diced tomatoes (including their juices) and tomato paste to the pan. Stir well to combine.
Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Stir to incorporate the spices evenly.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed (adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to achieve your desired balance).
If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency. If you like it chunky, leave it as is.
Remove the sauce from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, if desired.
Serve immediately over pasta, as a pizza topping, or use as a base for other dishes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
130 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.4 g | 10% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.0 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 506 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.1 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.7 g | ||
| Protein | 3.0 g | 6% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 45 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 524 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
