3-5 cloves garlic (minced or put through a garlic press)
2 teaspoons dried basil
pinch red pepper flakes (about 1/4 teaspoon)
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 pat butter, about 2 teaspoons
1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup water
Steps
Heat the olive oil over high heat until it shimmers. Saute the onions, stirring frequently, until they soften and shine, about three minutes. The onions should sizzle and hiss as they cook. Add the garlic. Stir to combine. This prevents the garlic from burning. Cook an additional two minutes. Add the basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and sugar. Stir to combine. Add the butter. Stir, cook for about a minute.
Add 1/2 can of the crushed tomatoes. Scrape the bottom of the pan to remove any stuck on bits. Reduce heat to low. Add remaining tomatoes. Stir in 1/4 cup water. If the sauce seems too thick, add additional water.
Allow sauce to simmer for 10 minutes to up to one hour. If simmering for a longer, stir the sauce occasionally and add additional water as needed to keep the sauce at the correct consistency.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 144 kcal
Reviews
Karen on 2026-04-28 (5 stars): I don't care for Basil so I added a Tablespoon of freshly ground Stinging Nettle leaves. I also added a teaspoon of Worchestershire sauce & 1/2 teaspoon mushroom Umani.. It was awesome!
Roms on 2026-04-13 (5 stars): Wow so delicious and easy to make. I’ve made this sauce a couple of times and will never buy store brought jars again. It’s so good to know what’s in my sauce! Thank You
Kirsteena(Kirstee)Plamer on 2026-04-03 (5 stars): Nice easy recipe!! Added sausage,lemon juice and extra basil. For us,only served two people because it was so good!
CJ on 2026-03-08 (5 stars): You are beyond ridiculous, Robert.
Donna M on 2026-03-08 (5 stars): Delicious! I added oregano and hamburger then simmered about 1/2 an hour. So easy to make and beats the jarred stuff any day of the week.
Liane Fadrny on 2026-02-25 (5 stars): Quick and delicious.
Elayne Lavitt on 2026-02-15 (5 stars): Your comments show who you are , and Bob is right , what a jerk
Adrianna on 2026-02-14 (5 stars): I made this tonight for dinner and it was so good! Much more cost effective too, which I love.
