Deep and rich Tomato Sauce

Rich Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 whole onion
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 1.5 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar (or any vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons of tomato puree
• Olive oil
• 2 cans of tomatoes, drained
• Fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, and basil

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

   • Drain the canned tomatoes over a colander, letting them sit for at least 30 minutes.
   • Chop the garlic and onion. Finely chop the fresh herbs if using.

2. Cook Aromatics:

   • Heat a glug of olive oil in a pan over low heat.
   • Add the chopped garlic, onion, and herbs to the pan.
   • Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until softened and this will bring out all the sweetness in them.

3. Add Flavorings:

   • Stir in the tomato puree and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
   • Add the sugar and vinegar to the pan, cooking for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.

4. Reduce Sauce:

   • Pour the juice from the drained tomatoes into the pan.
   • Cook the sauce, stirring regularly, until it reduces by half.
   • Be attentive to prevent sticking and burning.

5. Add Tomatoes:

   • Once the sauce has reduced, add the drained tomatoes to the pan.
   • Cook for another 15 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and absorb the flavors.

6. Season and Serve:

   • Remove the sauce from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Use this rich tomato sauce as a base for pasta dishes like Bolognese or lasagna, or store it in the freezer for future use. Enjoy the depth of flavor in your homemade sauce!