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Spicy Tomato-Based Sauce

A robust, spicy sauce made with fresh ingredients, ideal for enhancing the flavors of various dishes. Its bold heat and chunky texture make it a standout condiment for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oil Provides essential fat needed for cooking.
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper chili flakes Adds the desired heat and spice.
  • 1 medium white onion, diced Gives sweetness and depth to the sauce.
  • 2 cans whole tomatoes Forms the rich base of the sauce.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the sauce with aromatic zest.
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt Enhances all the flavors in the sauce.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper Adds a layer of warmth and depth.
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped Contributes freshness and a fragrant finish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add the red pepper chili flakes and cook for about 3 minutes, swirling in the oil to prevent burning.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add the garlic and diced onions, sauté for about 5 minutes until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
Cooking
  1. Pour in the entire 2 cans of whole tomatoes, stirring everything together.
  2. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10 minutes to slightly break down the tomatoes.
  3. Remove the cover and use a wooden spoon to chop up the tomatoes to your desired chunkiness, blending everything together.
  4. Let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes, stirring infrequently.
Serving
  1. After simmering, season to taste with salt and add the ground black pepper, stirring to combine.
  2. Remove from heat and fold in the chopped basil. Allow to cool slightly then serve and enjoy!

Notes

This sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheating is simple - warm gently in a pot over low heat.