Simple Tomato Sauce

Makes About 5 cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes

• 2 sprigs fresh basil (optional)

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the tomatoes

Crush the tomatoes gently with your hands or a wooden spoon.

2. Build the sauce

Heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the sliced garlic and cook until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden, about 1–2 minutes.

If using, stir in the red pepper flakes.

3. Simmer

Add the tomatoes, basil, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.

Bring to a gentle simmer.

Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and rich.

4. Finish

Remove the basil stems.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender.

At Bar A 7

This is our go-to tomato sauce for Chicken Parmesan, lasagna, baked ziti, meatballs, and pasta nights. We almost always make a double batch and freeze it in quart containers so there’s always homemade sauce ready for a family dinner.

Freezer Tip

Allow the sauce to cool completely before freezing.

Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.