Name: Tomato-Basil Sauce
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 1/2 teaspoon table salt; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1/4 teaspoon sugar; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Why This Recipe Works

To replicate the long-simmered flavor of traditional tomato sauce in our quick-cooking version, we start by caramelizing onions—finely diced for more surface area—in butter. Dried herbs and garlic complete the base flavors. Canned crushed tomatoes, which require no chopping or pureeing, are the bulk of our sauce, and a pinch of sugar rounds out their tang. Stir in a few final ingredients at the end, and guests will think this 20-minute concoction has been simmering on the stove all day.

Before You Begin

Don’t even think about using dried basil; the fresh herb adds flavor and brightness that dried can’t.

Instructions

Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onion, ½ teaspoon salt, and oregano and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes and sugar, increase heat to high, and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until thickened slightly, about 10 minutes. Off heat, stir in basil and oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.