Description
This easy and rich tomato pasta sauce is a homemade classic made with onion, garlic, herbs, and a hint of cinnamon for depth. Perfect for spaghetti, lasagna, or as a pizza base, this versatile sauce is comforting, flavorful, and budget-friendly, making it a must-have recipe for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
45 ml (3 tablespoons) olive oil
1 red onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 teaspoons garlic granules
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
2 tablespoons tomato puree
250 ml (1 cup) vegetable stock, made from a stock cube
800 ml (18 oz) chopped tomatoes (2 x 400 ml tins)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook on low for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 5 more minutes until fragrant. Season lightly with sea salt.
- Add garlic granules, oregano, basil, cinnamon, and chili flakes. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Mix in tomato puree and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a simmer.
- Add chopped tomatoes, stir, and let simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add an extra pinch of cinnamon if desired.
Notes
- Add fresh basil leaves at the end for freshness.
- Add carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Blend for a smooth consistency or keep chunky for rustic style.
- Stir in cream or mascarpone for a creamy variation.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
