Sauce Recipe
Make Sauce Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Basic Tomato-Basil Sauce
Finishing (optional)
Method
Basic Tomato-Basil Sauce
- 1
Sauté aromatics
Warm a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat for about 30 seconds until it shimmers. Add the chopped onion and a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds more until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic.
- 2
Add tomato base
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize slightly; this deepens the flavor. Add the crushed tomatoes and water (or reserved pasta water) and stir to combine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- 3
Season and simmer
Add the sugar, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your preferred consistency, 20–30 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little more water.
- 4
Finish with basil
Tear or chiffonade most of the fresh basil and stir it into the sauce in the last 2–3 minutes of simmering to release the herb’s aroma. Reserve a few leaves for garnish if desired.
Finishing (optional)
- 5
Enrich and serve
If you want a richer, silkier sauce, remove the pan from the heat and swirl in the unsalted butter until fully melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. Stir in the grated Parmesan if using for an umami boost. Serve hot over pasta, meatballs, or as a base for other dishes. Garnish with reserved basil leaves and an extra drizzle of olive oil or grated cheese.