Description
Mary Berry’s pasta sauce is a traditional Italian-style tomato sauce that combines onion, garlic, chopped tomatoes, and herbs, gently simmered for depth of flavor. Some versions include cream for richness or roasted vegetables for added texture. It’s a versatile, family-friendly sauce that suits both vegetarian and meat-based pasta dishes.
Ingredients
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Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
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Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
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Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
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Tinned Chopped Tomatoes (2 x 400g / 14 oz cans)
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Tomato Purée (1 tbsp)
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Dried Mixed Herbs or Basil (1 tsp)
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Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
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Sugar (½ tsp, optional, to balance acidity)
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Optional: Double Cream (2–3 tbsp) or fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, herbs, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and deepen in flavor.
For a smooth sauce, blend using a hand blender or transfer to a regular blender. For a rustic finish, leave it chunky.
If you’d like a creamy version, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of double cream and heat gently for 1–2 more minutes.
Serve hot over pasta, or cool and store for later use. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.