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–+ servings

Easy and Rich Tomato Pasta Sauce

This hearty tomato pasta sauce is perfect for any pasta dish. Infused with aromatic herbs and a hint of cinnamon, it provides a rich, flavourful base that's both easy to make and delicious.
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Author: Deborah Rainford

Ingredients

  • 45 ml (3 tablespoon) olive oil
  • 1 red onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 2 teaspoons garlic granules
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato puree
  • 250 ml (1 cup) vegetable stock, made from a stock cube
  • 800 ml (18 oz) chopped tomatoes, 2 x 400ml tins

Instructions

Prepare the Base:

  • Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sweat over low heat for about 10 minutes until softened.

Add Garlic:

  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Season with sea salt to taste.

Incorporate Herbs and Spices:

  • Stir in the garlic granules, dried oregano, dried basil, ground cinnamon, and chili flakes. Mix well with the onions and garlic, allowing the flavors to meld for a few minutes.

Tomato Puree:

  • Add the tomato puree, stirring to combine thoroughly. Let it cook for a couple of minutes.

Add Vegetable Stock:

  • Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a simmer. The mixture will be salty at this stage—don’t worry, it will balance out.

Add Tomatoes:

  • Pour in the chopped tomatoes and bring to a simmer again. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to distribute evenly.

Adjust Seasoning:

  • Taste the sauce and adjust the spices, herbs, or seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch more cinnamon for extra warmth.

Notes

  • Tomato Variations: Whole peeled plum tomatoes can be used, but the texture will differ. You may need to add extra water to achieve the desired consistency.
  • Sweetness: This recipe doesn’t include sugar because the cinnamon balances the acidity with a hint of sweetness and warmth. Feel free to add sugar if preferred.
  • Thickness Adjustment: For a thicker sauce, continue simmering until the desired consistency is reached. Be mindful of the seasoning, as reducing the sauce will concentrate the flavours, making it saltier.

Nutrition

Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 276mg | Potassium: 256mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 251IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1mg
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