Simple Homemade Sauce: A Timeless Classic
Short introduction
Homemade sauces can elevate any dish, and this Simple Homemade Sauce is no exception. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a flavorful sauce that adds depth to pasta, pizza, and many other meals. Making your own sauce allows you to control the flavors and ingredients, making it a healthier choice than many store-bought versions. Plus, it’s simple enough for anyone to whip up in no time!
Why you’ll love it
There are several reasons to love this Simple Homemade Sauce. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make using pantry staples. It can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner when time is short. Additionally, this sauce is versatile and can be modified to suit your taste buds. Whether you crave something spicy or prefer a more traditional flavor, this sauce can adapt to your needs. The best part? You can make a big batch and store the leftovers for later use.
Ingredients
To make this Simple Homemade Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Substitutions & key variations
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, there are simple substitutions you can try. For instance, if you lack tomato paste, you can use another can of tomato sauce for a slightly thinner sauce. Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried ones if you’re lucky enough to have them—just remember that fresh herbs are more potent, so use about three times the amount. If you want a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Combine the Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Use a wooden spoon or whisk to stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Add the Spices
Next, add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir well to incorporate all the spices and flavors.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20-30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
After simmering, taste your sauce. If needed, add more seasoning based on your preference. If you enjoy a bit of heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Store Any Leftovers
If you have extra sauce, consider doubling the recipe and freezing the leftovers in airtight containers for easy future meals.
Success tips
- Maintain a medium heat to avoid burning the sauce. If it starts to stick to the bottom of the pan, lower the heat a bit.
- Keep stirring occasionally while it simmers to prevent the sauce from clumping or sticking.
- Always taste your sauce before serving or storing—it’s the best way to make sure the flavors are just right for you!
How to serve
This Simple Homemade Sauce is wonderfully versatile. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a quick meal, or use it as a base for homemade pizza. It can also be drizzled on baked chicken or mixed into casseroles for added flavor.
Storage & reheating
To store the sauce, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply pour it into a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you’ve frozen the sauce, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in the same way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long can I store this homemade sauce?
A1: The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. If frozen, it can last for up to three months.
Q2: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A2: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just blanch and puree them first; you’ll need about 2-3 cups of pureed fresh tomatoes to replace the canned.
Q3: Is this sauce gluten-free?
A3: Yes, this sauce is gluten-free as long as all the packaged ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This homemade sauce is low in calories and rich in flavor without adding too many fats or sugars. Tomato products are also a great source of vitamins and antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is good for heart health.
Conclusion + CTA
In just a few easy steps, you can create a delicious and versatile Simple Homemade Sauce that will add flavor to your meals. With the freedom to adjust ingredients to your liking, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your repertoire. Try making this sauce tonight, and let it elevate your dishes!
Links to related recipes
- Easy Marinara Sauce
- Creamy Alfredo Pasta Sauce
- Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce
- Pesto Sauce Recipe
- Homemade BBQ Sauce
Simple Homemade Sauce
Ingredients
Sauce Base
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup water
Spices and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- to taste salt to taste
- to taste black pepper to taste
- optional crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Use a wooden spoon or whisk to stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir well to incorporate all the spices and flavors.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20-30 minutes.
- After simmering, taste your sauce. If needed, add more seasoning based on your preference. If you enjoy a bit of heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes.
- If you have extra sauce, consider doubling the recipe and freezing the leftovers in airtight containers for easy future meals.