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Quick Kitchen Sauce: Easy Recipes for Delicious Meals

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This flavorful tomato sauce combines garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of sweetness, making it a versatile base for pasta, pizza, or other dishes. Quick to prepare, it simmers to perfection in just 15 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade sauce in no time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup of tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar (to balance acidity)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
  2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Pour in the cup of tomato sauce and stir well to combine with the garlic and olive oil.
  5. Add the dried oregano and dried basil. If using fresh herbs, chop and add them instead.
  6. If desired, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for heat, adjusting based on your spice preference.
  7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. To balance the acidity, add the balsamic vinegar and honey (or sugar).
  9. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  10. While the sauce simmers, prepare any additional ingredients (like pasta or protein).
  11. If using pasta, boil it according to package instructions, salting the water for flavor.
  12. For protein, sauté chicken, shrimp, or meatballs in a separate pan until fully cooked.
  13. For a vegetarian option, add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering.
  14. If using pasta, drain it and return it to the pot. Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss gently to coat.
  15. If you cooked protein separately, mix it into the pasta or serve it on top.
  16. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
  17. Taste the sauce one last time before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

  • This sauce can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices.
  • For a richer flavor, consider using homemade tomato sauce.
  • Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

Find it online: https://psrecipeswillow.com/2025/05/quick-kitchen-sauce/