Are you craving a delicious, homemade tomato sauce that bursts with flavor but doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Then you've come to the right place! This Goya tomato sauce recipe is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful way to elevate your pasta nights, pizzas, or any dish that calls for a vibrant tomato base. Using readily available Goya canned tomatoes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers restaurant-quality taste without the restaurant-quality effort. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (Goya brand recommended)
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce (Goya brand recommended)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions:
-
Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
-
Build the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar (if using) to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
-
Simmer to perfection: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful the sauce will become. For a truly deep flavor, simmer for an hour or more.
-
Blend (optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the saucepan. Alternatively, carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
-
Taste and adjust: Once the sauce has simmered to your liking, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, herbs, or sugar depending on your preference.
Cooking Tips for the Best Goya Tomato Sauce:
-
Use high-quality canned tomatoes: The quality of your canned tomatoes will significantly impact the taste of your sauce. Goya tomatoes are a great option, but feel free to experiment with other brands.
-
Don't rush the simmering process: Allowing the sauce to simmer for a longer period will develop a deeper, more complex flavor.
-
Taste and adjust seasonings throughout: Your taste buds are the best guide. Taste the sauce at different stages and adjust seasonings accordingly.
-
Add fresh herbs at the end: For an extra burst of freshness, stir in some chopped fresh basil or parsley during the last few minutes of simmering.
Variations:
-
Spicy Tomato Sauce: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
-
Hearty Tomato Sauce: Add a cup of chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onions.
-
Meat Sauce: Brown some ground beef or Italian sausage before adding the onions and garlic for a heartier meat sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a more accurate calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredient quantities. However, a general estimate per 1 cup serving would be:
- Calories: Approximately 100-150
- Fat: Approximately 5-8g
- Protein: Approximately 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This Goya tomato sauce recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a perfect base for countless delicious dishes, making it a versatile and invaluable addition to your homemade cooking arsenal. Enjoy!