Italian Tomato Sauce
Italian Tomato Sauce is a classic flavor powerhouse that brings life to many dishes. This rich and vibrant sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, and many other delights. With a blend of fresh tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and simple ingredients, this sauce captures the essence of Italian cooking.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own Italian Tomato Sauce lets you create a fresh and delicious base for many meals. It’s simple and rewarding, allowing you to control the flavors and ingredients used. Plus, using fresh tomatoes and herbs elevates the taste and adds a homemade touch to your dishes. Enjoying your own sauce will make your meals more special and flavorful.
How to Make Italian Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
- 25 pounds tomatoes
- 4 onions
- 10-15 garlic cloves
- 3-4 handfuls fresh basil
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomato puree
- Salt, to taste
- Olive Oil
- Parsley (dried, optional)
- Oregano (dried, optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the tomatoes: Begin by checking the tomatoes for any bad spots. Remove any bruised or moldy parts. Boil the tomatoes for three minutes or until they start to split and peel. After boiling, transfer them to ice-cold water to cool.
- Peel and core the tomatoes: Once cooled, peel off the skin and use a knife to cut out the core of the tomatoes.
- Make the paste: In a food processor, combine the onions, garlic, fresh basil, salt, and any additional spices you want to use (like parsley and oregano). Blend until you create a thick paste.
- Cook the mixture: Heat olive oil in a large pot. You might need two pots for this amount of sauce. Add the onion/garlic/basil mixture to the pot and sauté until fragrant.
- Blend the tomatoes: Add the prepared tomatoes to the food processor. You may need to do this in batches to fully blend the tomatoes until it reaches a thick smoothie consistency.
- Combine everything: Add the blended tomatoes to the pot with the sautéed mixture. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the tomato puree. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more puree until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Simmer: Let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Be sure to stir occasionally.
- Blend for smoothness (optional): If you like a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender after a few hours of simmering for about 2 to 3 minutes.
How to Serve Italian Tomato Sauce
Italian Tomato Sauce pairs wonderfully with pasta, making it a perfect topping for spaghetti or penne. You can also use it on pizza, in lasagna, or as a base for various dishes. Don’t forget to garnish with some fresh basil or grated cheese for extra flavor!
How to Store Italian Tomato Sauce
To store your homemade sauce, let it cool completely. Transfer it to airtight containers or jars, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to six months.
Tips to Make Italian Tomato Sauce
- Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste.
- Adjust the spices and herbs according to your preference.
- Consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with different herbs or add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to customize your sauce. You can also incorporate meat, such as ground beef or sausage, for a heartier version.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, if fresh tomatoes aren’t available, you can use canned tomatoes. Just adjust the quantity and skip the boiling step.
2. How can I make the sauce spicy?
To add heat, include red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to the onion and garlic mixture while cooking.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is easy to double or halve based on your needs. Just ensure your pots are large enough to handle the expanded volume.
Now you have a simple and tasty Italian Tomato Sauce recipe to enjoy!
Italian Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients
- 25 pounds tomatoes Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste.
- 4 pieces onions
- 10-15 cloves garlic
- 3-4 handfuls fresh basil
- 1 28 oz. can tomato puree Add more for a thicker sauce.
Seasoning
- to taste Salt
- to taste Olive Oil For cooking.
- Parsley (dried, optional) Adjust according to preference.
- Oregano (dried, optional) Adjust according to preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Check the tomatoes for any bad spots and remove any bruised or moldy parts.
- Boil the tomatoes for three minutes or until they start to split and peel. Transfer them to ice-cold water to cool.
- Once cooled, peel off the skin and cut out the core of the tomatoes.
Making the Paste
- In a food processor, combine the onions, garlic, fresh basil, salt, and any additional spices (like parsley and oregano). Blend until you create a thick paste.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. You might need two pots for this amount of sauce.
- Add the onion/garlic/basil mixture to the pot and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the prepared tomatoes to the food processor and blend until it reaches a thick smoothie consistency.
- Combine the blended tomatoes with the sautéed mixture in the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to simmer.
- Stir in the tomato puree and adjust for a thicker sauce if desired.
- Let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender after a few hours of simmering for about 2 to 3 minutes.
