When it comes to traditional Italian cooking, few dishes are as iconic and versatile as the classic tomato sauce. With its vibrant color, rich flavor, and endless variations, this culinary staple has become a beloved part of kitchens worldwide. Whether you're looking for a hearty sauce to pair with pasta, a flavorful topping for pizza, or a simple yet delicious addition to grilled meats and vegetables, a well-crafted tomato sauce can elevate any meal with its irresistible charm. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the art of making traditional Italian tomato sauce, exploring the essential ingredients, techniques, and variations that can help you create a truly authentic and unforgettable sauce. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on a culinary journey through the heart of Italy, where the secrets of the perfect tomato sauce await.
Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!
ITALIAN TOMATO SAUCE
An important first step to note when making this sauce is to bring the olive oil up to temperature very slowly with the garlic, herbs, and spices, and cook for about five minutes to brown the garlic. This is a step that Jack has seen referenced in a number of great Italian cookbooks and although not clearly stated why, we believe this slow heat-up process allows the oil to be infused with the seasonings providing a really delicious base to your sauce.
Provided by A Family Feast
Categories how-to
Time 1h45m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Before you begin, pour your two cans of tomatoes into a bowl and crush with your hand. Don't break them up too small, you want large chunks.
- In a large heavy bottomed pot with a lid, on a burner with no flame, pour in olive oil and add red pepper flakes, garlic, onion, most of the oregano, basil and mint (save a little bit of each for the end), sugar salt and pepper. Turn on the burner and slowly bring up to hot. When the onions and garlic start to cook, stir and heat for five minutes.
- Remove the pot from the burner and place a heat diffuser over the burner. Place the pot over the heat diffuser and add the tomatoes. Turn burner to medium high and stir until they start to boil. Then reduce to simmer, partially cover and simmer 90 minutes.
- After 90 minutes, remove from heat and add the reserved herbs and Parmesan cheese. Add the butter to round out the flavors. Stir again and serve.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1/2 cup, Calories 102 calories, Sugar 3.1 g, Sodium 236.6 mg, Fat 8.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 5.5 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 1.6 g, Cholesterol 6.9 mg
REAL AUTHENTIC ITALIAN TOMATO SAUCE (NO CAN'S HERE)
Here's the deal....if you want REAL authentic Italian tomato sauce, you've come to the right place. Sure you can save yourself all the time by opening a couple cans of diced/peeled tomatoes, but then again, that's not authentic at all. You can freeze this sauce for later use. This sauce is perfect for anything that requires a tomato sauce: e.g. spaghetti, lasagne, pizza sauce, etc. My girlfriend learned this authentic recipe while living in Italy for several years. It's simple, but takes a lot of time and a lot of love, but its well worth the effort! This is for your free Saturday or Sunday when you will be in the house for the day. Add more tomatoes, garlic, or basil if you wish. There really is no set amount for each of these, but I do suggest a minimum of 10 whole red ripe tomatoes, and a minimum of 5 garlic cloves. Add some crushed red pepper to give it a kick if you wish. This recipe is the rundown of how I make the sauce now. It took me several attempts to really master this, but once you get it down you can make more tomatoes at a time. I usually work with two pots and start out with 10 in each pot, skin all the tomatoes in both, combine and start more in the empty pot to really make a large pot to freeze. The local vegetable stand sells 25 lb. baskets for $9 while in season. We do 50 lbs. a week for a month, so we can freeze and have great sauce all during the winter. I'm going to put this makes 4 servings, but I'm really not sure. The amount of sauce used per person differs.
Provided by iN TRAiNiNG
Categories Sauces
Time 7h10m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Wash, and core tomatoes. I also like to cut the little "nub" off of the bottom of the tomato. Just the nub, and this will make it easier to remove the skins from the tomatoes.
- Place whole tomatoes in a large pot and drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over tomatoes. Place lid on pot and heat over medium.
- After about 15 minutes give the tomatoes a stir (I use a fork to do this), ensuring not to break them up. This moves the ones on top to the bottom to help the skins to become loose and to prevent burning any skins. Cover and allow to cook for 15 more minutes.
- After 15 minutes, take a fork and fish out a tomato from the bottom. Keeping the tomato in the pot, use two forks, or a fork and wood spoon to start removing the skins. If you like, you can take the tomato out and place on a plate or in a bowl to do this, just make sure you keep the juices. If the tomatoes are not fully ready to be skinned, put the lid back on and check every 5 minutes. (This is the most time consuming part, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes really simple.).
- After all or most of the skins have been discarded, lower the temperature to medium low and allow to simmer uncovered. This is simply stewed tomatoes at this point.
- Once an hour, check the sauce and stir thoroughly. Using a wooden spoon, start to break up the tomatoes over the period of checking them. (Note: Don't break them all the way up on the first, second of even third time of checking them. Break them down over time).
- After about 5 hours, smash all tomatoes with whatever instrument you can find that will work. Add garlic cloves whole, use more than 5 if you like, I DO! (Do not mince/chop garlic) Allow to simmer for another hour. (Note: If you feel the sauce has reached your desired consistency or is nearing, you can add the garlic earlier).
- After 1 more hour, the garlic should be soft enough to smash easily on the side of the pot and the garlic will literally disintegrate into the sauce. If sauce is at your desired consistency, you can remove from the hot eye at this point and go to the next step, if you like your sauce a little less runny, or thicker, leave on and continue to monitor to your liking.
- Once the sauce is to your desired consistency, remove from heat and add 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, stir. Fresh is important to making really good sauce. Salt to taste. If you like a little spice, add some crushed red pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 123, Fat 7.5, SaturatedFat 1, Sodium 16.6, Carbohydrate 13.5, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 8.2, Protein 3.3
AUTHENTIC ITALIAN TOMATO SAUCE
This is a recipe I got from my father who got it from a little old lady he knew from Italy. I always simmer this sauce with my meatballs (recipe posted). You can also add sausage if you like. This sauce is to die for!!!!
Provided by InMemoryofBrats
Categories Sauces
Time 3h20m
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
- Empty plum tomatoes into large bowl and squash with your hands.
- Add all ingredients (including any meatballs or sausage you want to add) to pot and simmer for 3 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 145.4, Fat 6.6, SaturatedFat 1.2, Cholesterol 1.8, Sodium 308.8, Carbohydrate 21, Fiber 4.1, Sugar 12.6, Protein 4
SUGO DI POMODORO (AUTHENTIC ITALIAN TOMATO SAUCE)
This is a basic recipe for authentic Italian tomato sauce flavored with extra-virgin olive oil, garlic and basil. Toss with your favorite pasta or use for pizza, gnocchi and more.
Provided by SilviaG
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes Tomato
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat oil in a saucepan over low heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook and stir until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add passata, basil, and salt. Cover and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until tomato sauce has thickened, about 20 minutes. Remove garlic halves before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 152 calories, Carbohydrate 20.8 g, Fat 7.4 g, Fiber 4.8 g, Protein 4.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 303.6 mg, Sugar 2.4 g
OLD ITALIAN MEAT SAUCE
A robust hearty Italian meat and mushroom pasta sauce. Serve with your favorite pasta, if desired.
Provided by Debbie
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes Meat Sauce
Time 4h30m
Yield 20
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large skillet, brown beef and pork over medium heat until no longer pink; set aside.
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and saute onions and garlic until tender; add about 1/2 cup of wine; mix well.
- Add mushrooms, rosemary, oregano and thyme to skillet and add another 1/2 cup wine; saute until tender.
- Add browned meat, tomato sauce and tomato paste to mixture; simmer for 1 hour and add the remaining 2 cups of wine.
- Simmer sauce on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally; serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 295.9 calories, Carbohydrate 15.9 g, Cholesterol 50.8 mg, Fat 16.8 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 15.2 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 788.1 mg, Sugar 11.4 g
DEFALCO'S AUTHENTIC ITALIAN TOMATO SAUCE
Provided by Guy Fieri
Time 3h20m
Yield 10 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, sausages and onions and cook until lightly brown.
- Add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and 1/2 can water, bring to a simmer. Add the tomato puree, 1/2 can of water and simmer again. Repeat with the tomato sauce, again adding 1/2 can of water and bring the sauce to a simmer. Add the tomato paste and cook through.
- Add the basil, parsley, marsala wine, pepper, salt and sugar into the pot and stir. Simmer for 2 to 3 hours, stirring frequently.
TRADITIONAL ITALIAN SAUCE
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, heat 1/4 cup oil over medium heat. Add onion, pancetta, pressed garlic, and salt; saute; 2 minutes. Stir in pureed tomatoes, tomato puree, and basil. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 45 minutes. Remove and discard onion halves.
- Place beef cutlets on work surface. Sprinkle each piece with 2 teaspoons olive oil, 1 clove finely chopped garlic, 1 teaspoon parsley, and 1 teaspoon cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Roll beef, and tie with kitchen twine.
- Heat remaining 1/4 cup oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add cracked garlic, and cook for 2 minutes. Place rolled beef, sausage, and spare ribs in skillet and cook until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add wine, and cook for 2 minutes. Remove browned meat from pan, and add to sauce along with meatballs.
- Add 2 cups water, and return to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, over medium heat for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Just before sauce is finished bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain, and transfer to a large serving platter. Stir sauce to combine, and ladle sauce over pasta. Serve meats on a separate platter. Sprinkle cheese over pasta and meats.
ITALIAN TOMATO SAUCE
Perfect for bolognese, pasta bakes and pizza sauce
Provided by phuddy48
Time 45m
Yield Serves 6
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- Heat the Olive oil in a Large frying pan/Skillet until very hot.
- Add onions and stir until soft and slightly brown.Turn down the heat and add the garlic and Red wine. Leave for 1-2 mins.
- Add tomatoes, basil, oregano, and bay leaves, turn the heat down and leave to simmer for approx 5 mins stirring occasionally. If using fresh tomatoes allow them to reduce slowly, this will take approx 20 mins.
- Once mixture has simmered add puree and stir in, simmer for a further 5 mins.
- Remove from the heat and cool. Sauce can be refrigerated for use later on, If using for Pizza topping use a blender until smooth and spread on pizza using the back of a spoon. If using for bolognese, brown mince and add when ready.
MARK'S TRADITIONAL ITALIAN TOMATO SAUCE
Mark Strausman, of the NYC restaurant Campagna, uses this hearty and delicious traditional Italian tomato sauce for a variety of dishes. If preparing the sauce in late summer, buy fresh plum tomatoes.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Italian Recipes
Yield Makes about 9 cups
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Puree tomatoes in a food mill, removing most of the seeds. In a medium stockpot, heat oil over medium heat, add garlic, and saute until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Add red-pepper flakes. While oil is sizzling, slowly add half of the pureed tomatoes and the wine, stirring to mix. Add remaining tomatoes, reduce heat to low, and let simmer. Add oregano, and continue to simmer until slightly thickened, 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The sauce may be kept in the refrigerator up to 3 or 4 days in a covered container, or in the freezer for 1 month.
Tips:
- Use ripe, seasonal tomatoes. This will ensure the best flavor for your sauce.
- Roast your tomatoes before making the sauce. This will concentrate their flavor and make them even sweeter.
- Don't overcrowd the pot. If you add too many tomatoes to the pot at once, they will not cook evenly.
- Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Season the sauce to taste. Add salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to your liking.
- Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it in other dishes such as lasagna, soup, or stew.
Conclusion:
Making a traditional Italian tomato sauce is a simple process that can be used to create a delicious and versatile dish. By following the tips in this article, you can make a sauce that is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this traditional Italian tomato sauce a try.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
#60-minutes-or-less #time-to-make #course #main-ingredient #cuisine #preparation #low-protein #healthy #sauces #condiments-etc #vegetables #easy #european #vegan #vegetarian #italian #dietary #low-cholesterol #low-saturated-fat #low-calorie #low-carb #healthy-2 #low-in-something #tomatoes #3-steps-or-less
You'll also love