Traditional Italian Tomato Sauce

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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When it comes to Italian cooking, a traditional tomato sauce is at the heart of many beloved dishes. This recipe brings out the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes, enhanced by aromatic garlic and fresh basil. It's perfect for those looking to create a genuine Italian taste right at home.

Ingredients for Traditional Italian Tomato Sauce

Tomatoes: The star of the sauce. Go for ripe, juicy ones for the best flavor and texture. Olive oil: Adds richness and depth, helping to carry the flavors of garlic and onion. Garlic: Provides a fragrant base that complements the tomatoes beautifully. Onion: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes with its natural sweetness. Fresh basil: Introduces a hint of freshness and a classic Italian aroma. Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall taste. Sugar (optional): Just a touch to counteract any excessive acidity in the tomatoes.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your tomatoes are more watery than expected, let the sauce simmer a bit longer to reach the desired consistency.
  • Craving a bit of heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender after simmering to achieve your preferred texture.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce is incredibly versatile. Toss it with your favorite pasta for a classic meal, or use it as a base for homemade pizzas. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats and can even be used as a dipping sauce for fresh bread. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad and a glass of Chianti for an authentic Italian dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned whole tomatoes can be a good substitute. Just be sure to choose high-quality ones for the best flavor.
How do I store leftover sauce?
Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months.
What if I don't have fresh basil?
Dried basil can be used, but add it earlier during the simmering process to allow the flavors to develop.

Traditional Italian Tomato Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

First, let's prep those tomatoes. Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Score a small "X" on the bottom of each tomato. Gently drop them into the boiling water for about a minute. This brief blanching will make them easy to peel. Quickly transfer them to a bowl of ice water — this stops the cooking process and makes them manageable to handle. Once cooled, peel off the skins and chop the tomatoes roughly.

Now, grab a large saucepan and pour in the olive oil. Heat it over medium heat, then toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Stir them around until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its wonderful aroma. This should take about 5–7 minutes.

Next, add your chopped tomatoes to the pan. Give them a good stir to mix with the garlic and onion. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, and if your tomatoes are a bit too tangy, sprinkle in that optional teaspoon of sugar. Stir everything together and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let the sauce bubble gently for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You'll know it's ready when it thickens and the flavors meld beautifully.

Finally, stir in the fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Your traditional Italian tomato sauce is ready to serve!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses basic, fresh ingredients that are easy to find.
  • Brings out the natural sweetness of tomatoes without overpowering them.
  • Simple yet authentic taste with no complicated steps.
  • Customizable to your taste preferences with minimal effort.

Ingredients

2 lbs ripe tomatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 tsp sugar (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Blanch tomatoes in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer to ice water to cool. Peel and chop.
2. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté until translucent.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir well.
4. Simmer on low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
5. Stir in fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning as needed.

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