Sicilian-American Tomato Sauce
Dive into the rich flavors of Sicily with this delightful Sicilian-American Tomato Sauce. Adapted from the beloved cookbook 'Extending the Table', this sauce is well-loved in my household, earning rave reviews from family and friends. Its blend of savory herbs, a touch of sweetness, and the option for a splash of red wine creates a well-rounded, aromatic sauce that’s perfect for spaghetti or any pasta dish. Whether you prefer a simple vegetarian version or want to elevate it with hearty meatballs, this recipe caters to all tastes. Ideal for meal prep, enjoy the convenience of making a batch that can be frozen for up to three months, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Prepare to have your taste buds delighted and your crockpot licked clean!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (None)
Onions
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Garlic cloves
1 clove (Minced (to taste))
Tomato paste
16 ounces (None)
Water
3 cups (None)
Salt
2 teaspoons (None)
Pepper
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (None)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (None)
Dried basil
1 teaspoon (None)
Bay leaf
1 leaf (None)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (None)
Dry red wine (optional)
3 tablespoons (None)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4
Add the tomato paste, water, salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, sugar, and red wine (if using). Mix well.
5
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors. If you are adding meatballs, introduce them to the sauce during this step.
6
For an easy slow-cooker version, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker after sautéing the onions and garlic, and allow it to simmer on low all day.
7
Once the sauce has developed its flavor, remove the bay leaf before serving.
8
To freeze, let the sauce cool to room temperature, then pour into a labeled freezer bag. Seal tightly, removing as much air as possible, and freeze flat.
9
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or in a microwave. You can also submerge the sealed bag in warm water, or heat from frozen directly in a pot or slow cooker, warming gently.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Sicilian-American Tomato Sauce.
What cookbook inspired this sauce?
This recipe is adapted from the cookbook 'Extending the Table'.
How much olive oil do I need?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
What quantity of onions should be used?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped onions.
How much garlic is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 minced garlic clove, or more to taste.
What is the main tomato base for this sauce?
The base is made using 16 ounces of tomato paste.
How much water is added to the tomato paste?
You should add 3 cups of water.
What is the salt requirement for this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of salt.
How much pepper should I add?
You can add between 1/4 and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
Which dried herbs are used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
Is a bay leaf used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 bay leaf for flavoring.
How much sugar is in the sauce?
There are 2 teaspoons of sugar included in the recipe.
Is wine a mandatory ingredient?
No, the 3 tablespoons of dry red wine are optional.
How long should the sauce simmer on the stove?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 hours.
Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?
Yes, after sautéing the onions and garlic, you can combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and simmer on low all day.
When should I add meatballs if I want them?
Introduce the meatballs to the sauce while it is simmering.
Should I remove the bay leaf?
Yes, remove the bay leaf before serving the sauce.
Is this sauce freezer-friendly?
Yes, this sauce is ideal for freezing and meal prep.
How should I store the sauce for freezing?
Cool to room temperature, pour into a labeled freezer bag, seal tightly while removing air, and freeze flat.
How long can the sauce be stored in the freezer?
It can be frozen for up to three months.
What are the ways to reheat the sauce?
Thaw overnight in the fridge, use a microwave, submerge the bag in warm water, or heat from frozen in a pot or slow cooker.
What type of pasta goes best with this sauce?
It is perfect for spaghetti or any pasta dish.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
The base recipe is vegetarian, but it can be elevated with meatballs if desired.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients in this recipe.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions until soft, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
What should I do after adding the garlic?
Cook the minced garlic for about one minute until it becomes fragrant.
Does the sauce need to be covered while simmering?
No, the sauce should simmer uncovered to allow the flavors to combine.
What kind of wine is recommended?
The recipe recommends using a dry red wine.
What flavor tags describe this sauce?
The sauce is described as Sicilian, tomato-based, herbaceous, and Italian.