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A ladle scooping basil tomato sauce from a pot.

Garlic Basil Tomato Sauce

A thick tomato sauce with basil and garlic that is wonderful served over pasta, chicken or fish.
4.64 from 25 votes
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Calories: 61kcal
Author: Pat Nyswonger

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium onions chopped
  • 8-10 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 cans (28 ounces each), crushed tomatoes
  • 1 six-ounce can tomato paste
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
  • 1 cup rough chopped fresh basil leaves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ½ teaspoons sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 to 2 mashed anchovies

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and cook the onions over medium heat until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Stir in the tomatoes (along with their liquid), and the rest of the ingredients (the anchovies are optional but will add depth of flavor).
  • Bring the sauce to a boil, turn the heat to low, and simmer for one hour.
  • Transfer from the heat, remove and discard the bay leaves and allow the sauce to cool. Pour the cooled sauce into 4 sterilized pint jars leaving 1-inch for expansion, label, and freeze. When completely frozen secure lids. Use as needed. Makes 4 pints of sauce.

Notes

  • This sauce will thicken as it simmers and if you like it less thick add a little more water.
  • For freezing, fill the jars leaving 1-inch headspace for expansion. Do not cover until after the sauce is frozen.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/3 cup | Calories: 61kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1.5g | Fat: 1.7g | Sodium: 8mg