Italian Tomato Sauce Frugal Gourmet
Transform your pasta night with the rich, homemade flavors of the Italian Tomato Sauce Frugal Gourmet. This budget-friendly recipe combines pantry staples like canned whole peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, and a medley of dried herbs—oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes—for a perfectly balanced sauce that's both hearty and aromatic. Sautéed onions and garlic infuse the base with depth, while a touch of sugar harmonizes the acidity of the tomatoes. Ready in just 40 minutes, this versatile sauce is ideal for your favorite pasta dishes, pizza bases, or even as a dipping sauce. Plus, it's freezer-friendly for easy meal prep. With its simple ingredients and classic Italian taste, this sauce proves that gourmet doesn’t have to break the bank.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Pour the canned whole peeled tomatoes into a large mixing bowl and crush them gently with your hands or a spoon to break them down.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan.
Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan partially, and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed (add more salt, pepper, or sugar to balance the flavor).
Serve immediately over pasta, use as a base for pizza, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The sauce also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
86 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.8 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 493 mg | 21% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10.4 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.1 g | ||
| Protein | 1.7 g | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 34 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 304 mg | 6% | |
*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.
