Classic Italian Tomato Sauce
This Classic Italian Tomato Sauce is a versatile and delicious foundation for countless dishes. Rich with the flavors of fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and garlic, this sauce brings a taste of Italy to your kitchen. It's perfect for pasta, as a base for chili, or with any dish that needs a flavorful tomato boost. Whether you choose to puree it for a smooth texture or keep it chunky, this sauce will elevate your culinary creations. Enjoy and share with family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ripe tomatoes
450 g (Chopped (peeled or unpeeled based on preference))
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (None)
Onion
1 (Chopped)
Tomato puree
1-2 teaspoons (None)
Garlic
1 clove (Crushed (more if desired))
Fresh basil
2 tablespoons (Chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil))
Salt
To taste (None)
Pepper
To taste (None)
Chili powder
Optional, 1/4-1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Minced meat
Optional (Browned)
Instructions
1
If you prefer a smooth sauce, start by peeling the tomatoes. You can do this by blanching them in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then transferring to ice water for easy peeling.
2
Chop the tomatoes into evenly-sized pieces.
3
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
4
Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
5
Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
6
Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, basil, salt, and pepper to the pan. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add the chili powder at this stage.
7
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce.
8
For a smoother consistency, carefully blend the sauce until desired texture is achieved.
9
If you prefer a meat sauce or chili, add browned minced meat to the sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking to combine flavors.
10
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before serving. Enjoy your homemade sauce over pasta or any dish of your choice!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main use for Classic Italian Tomato Sauce?
It is a versatile foundation perfect for pasta, as a base for chili, or any dish needing a flavorful tomato boost.
How many tomatoes do I need for this recipe?
You will need 450 grams of ripe tomatoes.
Do I have to peel the tomatoes?
Peeling is optional; you can leave them unpeeled if you prefer a chunkier sauce or peel them for a smoother texture.
What is the best way to peel fresh tomatoes?
Blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then immediately transfer them to ice water for easy peeling.
What type of oil should I use?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of olive oil.
How much onion is required?
Use one chopped onion for this sauce recipe.
How long should I sauté the onion?
Sauté the onion for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
How much garlic is recommended?
The recipe suggests one crushed garlic clove, but you can add more if desired.
When do I add the garlic to the pan?
Add the crushed garlic after the onions have become translucent and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
How much tomato puree is added?
Use 1-2 teaspoons of tomato puree.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 tablespoons of fresh basil with 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
How much fresh basil does the recipe call for?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil.
When do I add the salt and pepper?
Add the salt and pepper along with the tomatoes, puree, and basil.
Is this tomato sauce spicy?
It can be if you choose to add the optional chili powder.
How much chili powder should I add for a bit of heat?
You can add between 1/4 and 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes.
Why should the sauce simmer uncovered?
Simmering uncovered allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce to a thicker consistency.
How can I make the sauce smooth?
For a smoother consistency, carefully blend the sauce until your desired texture is achieved.
Can I add meat to this Italian tomato sauce?
Yes, you can add browned minced meat to create a meat sauce or chili.
When should I add the meat to the sauce?
Add the browned minced meat during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Does the meat need to be cooked before adding?
Yes, the minced meat should be browned before being stirred into the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian as long as you do not add the optional minced meat.
What should I do before serving the sauce?
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
Can this sauce be used for chili?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as a great base for chili.
How do I prepare the tomatoes before cooking?
Chop the tomatoes into evenly-sized pieces.
What heat setting should I use for simmering?
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer after initially heating the oil over medium heat.
Does this sauce contain any sugar?
No, this specific recipe relies on the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes and does not list added sugar.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients listed, including optional items like chili powder and minced meat.
What is the first step if I want a smooth sauce?
The first step is to peel the tomatoes by blanching them.
Is this sauce considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is a classic homemade staple.