– 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste – 1 ˝ cups of water or vegetable broth – 1 tablespoon of olive oil – 1 small onion, finely chopped – 2 cloves of garlic, minced – Salt and pepper to taste – Optional: herbs and spices such as oregano, basil, thyme, or red pepper flakes for added flavor

1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Carefully add the tomato paste to the pan, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
4. Slowly pour in the water or vegetable broth, stirring continuously to incorporate the paste.
5. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. This is your opportunity to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
6. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t scorch.
7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the sauce tastes too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
8. Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
9. If you prefer a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender or regular blender to blend the sauce until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
10. Your homemade tomato sauce is now ready to be used in your favorite recipes or stored for later use.