This savory roasted garlic tomato sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. It's rich, flavorful, and easy to make.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Ensure the oil is hot before adding ingredients to enhance flavor.
Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms, and sauté until softened and lightly browned.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a few minutes to deepen its flavor.
Cooking the paste removes its raw taste and enhances its sweetness.
Pour in the dry sherry and let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly.
This step adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
Add the salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, parsley, and basil, stirring to combine.
Adjust the seasoning to taste for a balanced flavor.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a boil.
Use high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Mash the roasted garlic and stir it into the sauce.
Roasted garlic adds a sweet and mellow flavor to the sauce.
Add the fresh basil leaves and stir to combine.
Adding fresh basil at the end preserves its vibrant flavor.
Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta or use it as a base for other dishes.
Garnish with additional fresh basil or grated cheese for extra flavor.