Elevate your pasta game with this flavorful and easy-to-make homemade tomato basil pasta sauce. Made with fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a combination of herbs and spices, this sauce is perfect for topping any pasta dish. The rich and vibrant flavors will leave you craving more. Whip up a batch of this sauce and enjoy a taste of Italy in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Score a small 'X' on the bottom of each tomato and blanch them in boiling water for about 1 minute. Remove the tomatoes and plunge them into an ice bath. Peel the skin off the tomatoes and discard it. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes, fresh basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavors will meld together.
- Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly. Using an immersion blender or countertop blender, blend the sauce until smooth and creamy.
- If desired, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining tomato seeds or skin. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Serve the homemade tomato basil pasta sauce over your favorite cooked pasta. Garnish with additional fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
