Basic Tomato Sauce

Chef Hugh Acheson uses a little grated carrot to offset the acidity in his fragrant tomato sauce, which also has plenty of fresh oregano.

Basic Tomato Sauce
Photo: © Abby Hocking
Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Yield:
3 cups

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 small white onion, finely chopped

  • 1 medium carrot, grated

  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole plum tomatoes in juice, coarsely pureed

  • Kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • 2 teaspoons fresh oregano, finely chopped

Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over moderate heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in the carrot, then add the tomatoes and season with salt. Simmer over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 40 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and oregano.

Make ahead

The tomato sauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Originally appeared: March 2017

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