Tomato Sauce

Homemade Tomato Sauce: A Delicacy in Your Kitchen

Who doesn't love a fresh, flavorful tomato sauce that enhances culinary dishes? This simple and quick tomato sauce recipe is perfect for pasta, pizza, or any other dish that needs a splash of flavor. With just a few basic ingredients, you'll create a delicious sauce that will impress even the most discerning gourmets.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of tomato puree (about 400 ml)
- 1 large ripe tomato
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 bay leaves
- A handful of fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by finely chopping the onion and tomato. Make sure the tomato is ripe, as this will influence the final taste of the sauce. Slice the garlic thinly to release its intense flavors. A good choice is to use fresh garlic, as it adds a distinct note to the sauce.

Step 2: Sautéing the onion
In a heated pan over medium heat, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. This process will help develop the base flavors of the sauce.

Step 3: Adding the garlic
Once the onion is sautéed, add the sliced garlic. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can give the sauce a bitter taste. Its aroma should already fill the kitchen.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
Now it's time to add the chopped tomato, tomato puree, and bay leaves. Mix well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes. If you want a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer longer or add a bit of cornstarch dissolved in water to thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Seasoning
After the sauce has simmered, add salt and pepper to taste. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving. Add the freshly chopped (or dried) basil in the last minutes of cooking to give you a vibrant flavor.

Step 6: Serving
This tomato sauce pairs perfectly with pasta, pizza, or even as a base for baked dishes. A delicious suggestion is to sprinkle some grated parmesan on top before serving for an extra flavor boost.

Possible variations:
- You can add chopped bell pepper or grated carrot for a sweet note in the sauce.
- For a spicier flavor, add chili flakes.
- Experiment with herbs like oregano or thyme to add another dimension to your sauce.

Homemade tomato sauce is not only an excellent base for various dishes but also a way to bring the naturalness and freshness of ingredients to your plate. Try this simple and quick tomato sauce recipe and turn your meals into true feasts!