Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this versatile sauce! It’s become a staple in my kitchen—seriously, I whip it up all the time! Whether I’m tossing it with pasta, slathering it on pizza, or even using it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, it never disappoints. What I love most is how easy it is to make! In just 15 minutes, you can have this flavorful sauce ready to go. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a culinary rockstar without all the fuss!
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Sauce
Making this sauce is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how quickly it comes together! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious sauce ready in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not so hot that it smokes.
- Once the oil is shimmering, pour in 1 cup packed of tomato sauce. Stir it well to combine everything and let the magic begin!
- Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and dried oregano. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste—it really makes the flavors pop!
- Now, let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial for allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together.
- Once the time’s up, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool a bit before serving. Trust me; the aroma will have you drooling!
Why You’ll Love This Sauce
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Super versatile; perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.
- Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Flavorful and aromatic, thanks to the blend of spices.
- Easily customizable—adjust the spices to match your taste preferences.
- Great for meal prep; make a big batch and store it for later use.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a hit with everyone!
Tips for Success
Getting this sauce just right is all about a few little tweaks and tips that I’ve picked up along the way. Here are my go-to pieces of advice to ensure your sauce turns out perfectly every time!
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re out of tomato sauce, feel free to use crushed tomatoes or even diced tomatoes—just blend them for a smoother texture. They’ll work beautifully!
- Fresh Herbs: Want to amp up the flavor? Use fresh basil or oregano instead of dried! Just remember, fresh herbs are usually more potent, so use about three times the amount of dried herbs called for.
- Customize the Heat: If you like a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. It’s a simple way to bring an extra layer of flavor!
- Adjust the Sweetness: If your sauce tastes a bit too acidic, a small pinch of sugar can balance things out beautifully. Just taste as you go!
- Let It Rest: I often let the sauce sit for a few minutes after cooking—this allows the flavors to settle and deepen. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Batch It Up: Make a double batch and freeze the extras! It’s such a lifesaver on busy nights when you just want good food without the hassle.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a sauce-making pro in no time! Enjoy the process and feel free to make it your own—cooking should always be fun!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of this delicious sauce! Here’s a quick overview of the estimated nutritional data per serving. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This sauce is not only delicious but also pretty friendly on the waistline! It’s a great option for those looking to add flavor without a ton of calories. Enjoy knowing that your culinary creation is both tasty and wholesome!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs can add a wonderful burst of flavor to your sauce. Just keep in mind that fresh herbs are typically more potent, so you’ll want to use about three times the amount of dried herbs called for in the recipe. For example, if the recipe asks for 1 teaspoon of dried basil, use about 3 teaspoons of fresh basil. Just chop them up nicely and stir them in at the end for the best flavor!
How long can I store this sauce?
Your sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure it cools completely before sealing it up. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before using it again. Easy peasy!
What dishes pair well with this sauce?
This sauce is incredibly versatile! It’s perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta, spreading on pizza, or even using as a dipping sauce for garlic bread or breadsticks. You can also drizzle it over baked chicken or use it as a base for a delicious ratatouille. The possibilities are endless—get creative and let your tastebuds guide you!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out this creamy garlic parmesan pasta recipe!
Additionally, if you’re interested in the health benefits of tomatoes, you can read more here.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a great dipping sauce, consider trying this garlic butter recipe!
Print
Sauce That Will Transform Your Meals in 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A versatile sauce for various dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add tomato sauce and stir well.
- Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- This sauce can be used on pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.
- You can adjust spices to taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sauce, tomato sauce, cooking, Italian sauce
