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Classic tomato basil sauce served with pasta
Simple and savory tomato basil sauce

Classic Tomato Basil Sauce (Marinara)

Author: Flavelo
Sauces and Gravies Recipes Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes
The 'Sugo di Pomodoro' is the white t-shirt of Italian cuisine: simple, clean, and never out of style. According to Neapolitan tradition, the secret is simplicity. No over-seasoning; just let the sun-ripened sweetness of the tomatoes and the fragrant oils of the basil shine. This is the sauce that brings spaghetti to life.
🕒 Prep Time 10 mins
🍳 Cook Time 15 mins
⌛ Total Time 25 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 110 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Skillet or Saucepan
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Chef's Knife

Instructions

1 ✓

Dice the onion finely and slice the garlic thin.

Tip: The size of the onion determines the texture. For a more rustic sauce, chop it larger.
2 ✓

Heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent (approx. 5 minutes).

Tip: Don't let the oil smoke! The goal is to sweeten the onion, not brown it deeply.
3 ✓

Add the garlic, stir for 30 seconds, then immediately pour in the tomatoes.

Tip: Garlic burns in seconds; the moisture from the tomatoes protects it.
4 ✓

Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes.

Tip: Sugar doesn't make it sweet; it rounds out the flavors and counteracts the acidity.
5 ✓

Remove from heat. Tear in the fresh basil, stir, and let sit for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Tip: Tearing basil is better than chopping as it bruises the leaves less, keeping them green longer.

Recipe FAQ

Why add olive oil to tomatoes?
Many flavor compounds in tomatoes are fat-soluble, so the oil 'carries' the flavor to your palate. It also gives the sauce a silky mouthfeel.
When should I add the basil?
Always at the end! Basil's essential oils are heat-sensitive. If added too early, the flavor evaporates and the leaves turn black.

Ingredients

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Crushed Tomatoes or Tomato Purée
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil leaves
  • 1 small Yellow Onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Sugar (optional)