Incredible Sauce – 30 minutes to savory delight
Short introduction
Incredible Sauce is a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce that brings your dishes to life. With just a few fresh ingredients, this homemade recipe delivers a taste that’s far superior to anything you can buy in a jar. It’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dip. Once you try it, you won’t want to go back to store-bought alternatives!
Why you’ll love it
You’ll love this sauce for so many reasons! First, it’s fresh and packed with flavor. Using ripe tomatoes, fresh garlic, and aromatic herbs makes it healthier and more delicious than processed sauces. This sauce is also versatile; use it on pasta, as a base for stews, or even as a topping for grilled meats. Plus, it’s super simple and can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it a quick option for busy days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of tomatoes (diced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or oregano (optional)
Substitutions & key variations
You can make this sauce your own! If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, you can substitute canned tomatoes instead. Use onion powder if you’re out of fresh onion, or consider using shallots for a different flavor. You can also toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick! Need a vegan option? This recipe is already vegan-friendly!
Step-by-step
Step 1: Heat the oil
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook the onion
Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. This usually takes about 5 minutes. You want the onion soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Add garlic
Now stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can get bitter.
Step 4: Incorporate tomatoes
Next, add the diced tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally so the bottom doesn’t stick.
Step 6: Taste and season
Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or a touch more sugar if the sauce is too acidic.
Step 7: Finish with herbs
If you want to add fresh herbs, stir them in just before serving to keep their flavor bright.
Success tips
- Temperature: Always cook on medium heat to avoid burning but keep the sauce simmering to develop flavors.
- Texture: If you want a smoother sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender after it has cooked.
- Common mistakes: Avoid cooking the garlic for too long, as it can turn bitter. Also, don’t skip the sugar—a little sweetness balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
How to serve
Serve the Incredible Sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it as a base for your homemade pizzas. It’s also fantastic for dipping breadsticks or as a sauce for grilled vegetables. Drizzle some olive oil or add grated cheese for an extra touch!
Storage & reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze the sauce in portions for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes! This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer.
2. Is this sauce gluten-free?
Absolutely! The ingredients used in this sauce are gluten-free by nature.
3. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones. Use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This sauce is low in calories and packed with vitamins from the tomatoes and herbs. It’s a great source of lycopene, which is known for its health benefits, including potential heart health support.
Conclusion
Incredible Sauce is a simple, delicious, and versatile recipe that you can easily make at home. With a handful of fresh ingredients and just 30 minutes of your time, you’ll create a sauce that enhances any meal. Try it out today, and you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!
Links to related recipes
- Classic Marinara Sauce
- Creamy Alfredo Sauce
- Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce
- Homemade Pesto Sauce
Incredible Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups tomatoes, diced Fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
- 1 whole onion, chopped Can use onion powder or shallots as alternatives.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Avoid burning the garlic.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Use for sautéing ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon sugar Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- to taste salt and pepper
- to taste fresh basil or oregano (optional) Add fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
- Stir in fresh herbs just before serving to keep their flavor bright.