Quick Tomato Basil Sauce and Variations

Submitted by maisypjh

"Cook's Illustrated"

 

• Ready In: 20mins
• Ingredients: 8
• Yields: 3 cups
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1⁄4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1⁄4 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

directions

1. Melt butter on med. low heat. Add onion, salt, and oregano, and cook until golden brown, stirring, 3 to 5 minute Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
2. Stir in tomatoes and sugar, bring to simmer. Reduce heat to med. low and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in basil, oil, salt and pepper to taste.
3. All'Amatriciana: Cook 4 oz. diced salt pork in butter until crispy; remove. Leave 2 T. fat in pot; proceed as directed. Before tomatoes, add 1/2 Celsius red wine and reduce by half. Omit basil, but stir in pork and 1/2 Celsius grated Pecorino at end with oil.
4. Arrabiata: Add 3/4 t. red pepper flakes with garlic. Increase garlic to 4 cloves. Use fresh parsley for basil.
5. Vodka: Add 1/2 Celsius vodka with tomatoes. Substitute parsley for basil, and 1/4 cup heavy cream for oil.