Vegetarian Homestyle Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

About this recipe

A rich and flavorful vegetarian tomato basil sauce, perfect for dinner. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for solution seekers looking for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 50 g + 30 g Snapin Oregano Seasoning + Chilli Flakes Combo
• 16 g Orika Oregano
• 100 g Sambar Onion Peeled
• 400 g Pastazara Finely Chopped Tomatoes
• 1 kg Tata Plus Iron Health, Double Fortified Salt
• 100 g Garlic - Single Clove
• 1 pack (100 g) Tata Sampann Pure Black Pepper Powder
• 1 kg Satyam Sugar
• 100 ml Oleev Olivana Natural Olive Oil (Bottle)

Instructions

1. 1. In a 5-quart Dutch oven or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of corn oil over medium heat.
2. 2. Add 1 cup of finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
3. 3. Stir in 2 chopped tomatoes, 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 teaspoons of sugar.
4. 4. Add 1 1/2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. 5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. 6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the sauce warm over your favorite spaghetti or pasta.

How to make Vegetarian Homestyle Tomato Basil Sauce

1. Sauté the onion and garlic. Heat 2 tablespoons of corn oil in a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium heat, then sauté 1 cup of chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves for 3 minutes.
2. Add the tomatoes. Stir in 2 chopped tomatoes, 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 teaspoons of sugar.
3. Simmer the sauce. Add 1 1/2 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Season and serve. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve the sauce warm over spaghetti or your favorite pasta.

Frequently asked questions

Why is sugar added to the tomato basil sauce?

Sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a smoother and more well-rounded flavor profile. In this recipe, 2 teaspoons of sugar are used, which is enough to cut the sharpness without making the sauce overly sweet.

Can I use fresh basil instead of dried basil in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute fresh basil for dried basil. Use about 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh basil instead of 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried basil, and add it towards the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from sticking to the pot while simmering?

Stir the sauce occasionally, especially during the simmering stage, to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Using a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or pot also helps distribute heat evenly and minimizes sticking.

What is the best pasta type to pair with this tomato basil sauce?

This sauce pairs well with long pasta like spaghetti or linguine, as its smooth texture clings beautifully to the strands. Alternatively, short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni can also work well, allowing the sauce to fill the grooves for a flavorful bite.

How can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?

To increase the spice level, you can add extra chili flakes or black pepper during the cooking process. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the chili flakes or omit them entirely.