Tomato Basil Sauce

To make a quick tomato basil sauce, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add one chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in 4.5 cups of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Finally, stir in 0.5 cup of fresh basil leaves before serving over your favorite pasta.

Yes, this tomato basil sauce is naturally vegan-friendly! It contains no animal products, making it a great option for those following a vegan diet. Just ensure that any pasta you pair it with is also vegan, as some pasta may contain eggs.

If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil as a substitute. Generally, use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh basil. Alternatively, you can try using other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for a different flavor profile.

To store leftover tomato basil sauce, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Tomato basil sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. It's perfect over pasta, but you can also use it as a base for pizza, a topping for grilled chicken, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side salad or garlic bread.