Best 3 My Mothers Tomato Sauce Recipes

When it comes to classic Italian cooking, few dishes are as comforting and flavorful as a hearty bowl of homemade tomato sauce. Whether you're looking to recreate your mother's legendary recipe or simply explore new culinary horizons, the journey to finding the perfect tomato sauce can be both exciting and rewarding. With so many variations and techniques to choose from, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But fear not, aspiring chefs, for we have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of tomato sauces and create a dish that will transport you back to your childhood kitchen or introduce you to a whole new level of culinary delight.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

MY MOTHER'S MARINARA SAUCE

My Mother's Marinara Sauce image

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Time 1h10m

Yield about 2 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 large yellow onions, peeled, halved and diced
10 cloves garlic, peeled, halved and cut into thin slices
2 to 3 teaspoons red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Kosher salt
3 medium carrots, peeled and grated
Two 28-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes
4 cups water, divided, plus more as needed
1 cup basil leaves, washed
Freshly grated Parmesan

Steps:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, the garlic, red pepper flakes, and sugar and season with salt, to taste. Stir in the carrots and reseason with salt. Cook for about 2 minutes, and then add canned tomatoes. Use a wooden spoon to break up some of the whole tomatoes and cook over medium heat, stirring from time to time, about 20 minutes. If at any point the veggies or the sauce is getting dry, add some water. Continue cooking another 10 minutes, and then taste for seasoning. The tomatoes should be fairly broken down and the flavors coming together. Cook an additional 10 minutes. The sauce cooks about as long as it takes to make the meatballs from start to finish, about 45 minutes. Stir in the basil leaves and season with Parmesan.

MY MOTHER'S BUTTER, TOMATO, AND ONION SAUCE

My Mother's Butter, Tomato, and Onion Sauce image

The easiest tomato sauce recipe for pasta only has 3 ingredients.

Provided by Guiliano Hazan

Categories Sauce Onion Tomato Vegetarian Butter 3-Ingredient Recipes Pasta Dinner

Yield Makes enough for 1 pound dried pasta

Number Of Ingredients 4

Ingredients

2 pounds ripe tomatoes, or 3 cups canned whole peeled tomatoes with their juice
1 medium sweet yellow onion
5 tablespoons butter
1 1/4 teaspoons salt

Steps:

If using fresh tomatoes, peel them. Coarsely chop the fresh or canned tomatoes. Trim both ends of the onion; peel it and cut it in half lengthwise.
Put the tomatoes, onion, butter, and salt in a 4- to 5-quart saucepan over medium heat. When the tomatoes begin to bubble, lower the heat to a slow but steady simmer. Cook, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes, until the tomatoes are no longer watery and the sauce has reduced, about 45 minutes, depending on the size and shape of the pot. The sauce is done when the butter has separated from the tomatoes and there is no remaining liquid.

MY MOTHER'S SWISS STEAK

My Mother's Swiss Steak image

My mother's recipe. Serve with potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Provided by nixxie

Categories Main Dish Recipes Beef Swiss Steak Recipes

Time 1h45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 pounds beef round steak, cut 1-inch thick
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
¼ cup water, or as needed
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
½ cup minced green bell pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

Stir flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper together in a bowl. Sprinkle pieces of steak with flour mixture and pound the flour mixture into the meat with a meat mallet or the edge of a sturdy plate.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook the floured beef in the hot oil until browned on both sides, about 15 minutes. Reduce heat to low, pour in water, cover skillet, and simmer beef until tender, about 1 hour. Add more water to the skillet if needed to prevent burning.
Mix diced tomatoes, green bell pepper, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. Pour tomato mixture over beef, bring to a simmer, and cook until sauce has thickened, about 30 more minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 262.4 calories, Carbohydrate 7.2 g, Cholesterol 76.1 mg, Fat 12.2 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 28.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 548.6 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

Tips:

Use ripe, in-season tomatoes: This will give your sauce the best flavor.
Roast your tomatoes before making the sauce: This concentrates their flavor and makes them even sweeter.
Don't overcrowd the pot: If you add too many tomatoes to the pot at once, they will steam instead of sautéing and you won't get the caramelized flavor you're looking for.
Cook the sauce low and slow: This will allow the flavors to develop and deepen.
Season the sauce to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to taste until you reach the desired flavor.
Let the sauce cool before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld together even more.

Conclusion:

My mother's tomato sauce is a delicious and versatile recipe that can be used for a variety of dishes. Whether you're serving it over pasta, chicken, or vegetables, this sauce is sure to be a hit. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks alike. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!