My store-cupboard tomato sauce is a staple sauce that is versatile, cheap to make and can be used in a number of ways.
I think it tastes far better than anything you can buy and it has only a few ingredients, most of which you will already have to hand.
You could keep a batch in the fridge or store some in the freezer for a speedy and tasty quick meal.

My easy tomato sauce
A simple yet tasty sauce perfect served with any type of pasta.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 400 g tinned tomatoes
- 1 tsp sugar
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped basil optional
Instructions
- Pour the oil into a pan and add the crushed garlic. Let it sizzle until the garlic begins to change colour. Add the tinned tomatoes, sugar, salt and pepper
- Bring to the boil, then simmer on a low heat for about 20 minutes until the sauce has thickened. (It should begin to make indentations on the surface as it thickens)
Turn off the heat and check the seasoning. Add the chopped basil, if using.
I love this recipe it is so easy and so much better than buying tomato pasta sauce. The boys love it with pasta, broccoli and cheese on top – its a real winner when I don’t have much time. I make it with 3 tins of tomato and a tiny dried chilli. I keep it in the fridge then dish it out into cooked pasta when I need it. Thanks, Ali
Hi Ali,
Sorry I’ve been away so just catching up on things. Yes I agree this is an absolute winner for kids. They love it when I add in a tin of tuna at the last minute and a few chopped olives, very versatile and suits most tastes as you mentioned!