# Simple Rustic Tomato Sauce

This recipe provides a simple base for a rustic tomato sauce, perfect for pasta or gluten-free pizza, and can be frozen for later use.

- Total time: 75 min
- Cuisine: Italian
- Category: Sauce & Condiment
- Language: en

## Ingredients

- 0.25 cup olive oil
- 1 medium red onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 kg fresh tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped
- 0.25 cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
- Sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon raw unrefined sugar

## Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a heavy-based medium pot.
2. Add onion and cook over medium heat, stirring often until translucent (approx 10 minutes).
3. Add the garlic and continue to cook for a further 5 minutes, continuing to stir often.
4. Add tomatoes and bring to the boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for about 45-60 minutes, or until the mixture is thick.
6. Stir in the basil.
7. Cook, stirring occasionally, for a further 10 minutes.
8. Season well with sea salt and black pepper.
9. Add sugar.
10. Cool and store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.

## Equipment

- heavy-based medium pot
- small sharp knife
- slotted spoon

## Tips

- For skinless tomatoes, remove the core, make a cross-cross at the smooth end, plunge into boiling water for 20-30 seconds, then refresh in cold water and peel.
- This base recipe can be customized by adding a finely chopped red chilli for heat, or herbs like thyme, oregano, or flat-leaf parsley.

## Source

- Original video: https://www.mydarlinglemonthyme.com/2011/02/simple-rustic-tomato-sauce-recipe
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/19744365-97c0-4989-b5e7-1ea1ad90c52f
- Extracted: 2026-03-07

Extracted from the video by Clip Recipe (https://www.cliprecipe.com). Quantities and steps are as stated or shown in the video. Site guide for agents: https://www.cliprecipe.com/llms.txt