Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched streets of Sicily with this mouthwatering pasta sauce that will make your family beg for seconds! This isn't just another tomato sauce - it's a culinary journey that captures the heart and soul of traditional Sicilian cooking. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a restaurant-quality sauce that will have everyone wondering if you've secretly trained in a Sicilian grandmother's kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Sicilian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned.
- Pour the entire can of crushed tomatoes into the saucepan. Stir to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Sprinkle dried oregano into the sauce, and add salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed. The sauce should have a rich, slightly sweet tomato flavor with aromatic herbs.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle over the sauce as a garnish.
- Serve hot over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni.
Tips
- • Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the most authentic flavor - San Marzano tomatoes are ideal if you can find them. • Don't rush the onion and garlic sauté - taking time to develop those base flavors is crucial to a rich sauce. • Fresh basil makes a huge difference, so try to use fresh leaves rather than dried if possible. • For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking. • Let the sauce simmer slowly to allow the flavors to meld and develop - patience is key! • If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little pasta water when serving to adjust consistency. • This sauce freezes beautifully, so don't hesitate to make a double batch for future meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg