Italian Tomato Sauce Recipe
This legendary Italian Tomato Sauce is a celebration of simple, soulful cooking that transforms garden-fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and rich olive oil into a sauce everyone will crave. With a few honest ingredients and a leisurely simmer, this sauce delivers the vibrant flavors and deep, sweet tang that lift everything from pasta to pizza. Whether you’re simmering it as Sunday tradition or stashing extra jars for rainy day dinners, Italian Tomato Sauce will become your kitchen’s signature flavor—warm, deep, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Italian Tomato Sauce begins with pure, classic ingredients—each one important, each one shining through in the final pot. The real magic happens when these staples combine, coaxing out natural sweetness, herbal freshness, and a silky finish no jarred sauce can match.
- Tomatoes (25 pounds): Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for a sauce bursting with real tomato flavor; Roma or San Marzano varieties are especially delicious if you can find them.
- Onions (4): These create a sweet, mellow base that softens the bright acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garlic Cloves (10-15): Bring vibrant, aromatic kick; adjust to taste if you’re a garlic fiend!
- Fresh Basil (3-4 handfuls): Never skip the basil—it’s the signature note of Italian Tomato Sauce, lending freshness and a true Italian fragrance.
- Tomato Puree (1 28 oz. can): Gives the sauce that luxurious, thick texture restaurants call “velvety.”
- Salt, to taste: Essential for drawing out the full flavor potential of both the tomatoes and herbs; taste and adjust as you go.
- Olive Oil: Adds depth and silkiness; a good-quality extra virgin olive oil does wonders here.
- Parsley (dried, optional): Use if you want a touch more herby brightness—totally up to you.
- Oregano (dried, optional): For extra earthiness and that classic Mediterranean aroma, a sprinkle brings the sauce up a notch.
How to Make Italian Tomato Sauce
Step 1: Prep and Blanch the Tomatoes
Begin by examining your tomatoes with a loving eye, trimming off any bruised or questionable spots. Boil them briefly—about three minutes—just until you see the skins start to burst. The ice bath stops the cooking and makes peeling a million times easier. Peel off all the skins and cut out the hard cores. This step ensures your Italian Tomato Sauce is smooth and totally free of bitterness.
Step 2: Blitz Aromatics Into a Paste
In your food processor, combine onions, garlic, fresh basil, a healthy pinch of salt, and any dried herbs you like. Blend until everything becomes a thick, fragrant paste—the start of your flavor-layered sauce. Don’t hold back: this is what builds the irresistible aroma that wafts out of every Italian kitchen.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatic Paste
Heat olive oil in a gigantic pot (or split between two if needed). Add all of your aromatic paste, letting it sizzle gently until it’s softened, shiny, and your whole kitchen smells like summer in Italy. This step infuses the oil—which in turn infuses the entire sauce with herbal, garlicky flavor.
Step 4: Puree the Tomatoes
Pile the peeled, cored tomatoes gradually into the food processor, working in batches if necessary. You want them blended into a thick, almost smoothie-like consistency. Add these to your onion-basil mixture in the pot, stirring everything together with love and anticipation.
Step 5: Simmer and Season
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then immediately turn it down to a happy simmer. Pour in your tomato puree—for richness and body. If you like it even thicker, don’t hesitate to add more puree. The pot should bubble gently, and you should stir every so often to prevent sticking. This is when your Italian Tomato Sauce comes alive, soaking up every bit of flavor from your painstaking prep.
Step 6: Simmer Until Perfect
Let your sauce bask in the warmth for as little as 30 minutes or as long as two hours. The flavors deepen and the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering tomato-and-herb perfume. Stir occasionally—this is the time to pour yourself an espresso and savor the anticipation.
Step 7: Blend for Extra Smoothness (Optional)
If you adore a smoother finish, break out your immersion blender and zap the sauce once it’s had time to mellow. Even just 2–3 minutes will transform your Italian Tomato Sauce into a silken marvel that clings perfectly to every noodle.
How to Serve Italian Tomato Sauce
Garnishes
The simplest garnish often makes the biggest impact. Try a scattering of torn fresh basil, a quick grate of Parmigiano-Reggiano, or even a drizzle of peppery olive oil. Each adds its own spark and enhances the homemade appeal of your Italian Tomato Sauce.
Side Dishes
What pairs well with such a glorious sauce? Think crusty Italian bread for swiping up every drop, a crisp green salad, or meatballs nestled cozily in a shallow bowl. Even grilled vegetables or a swirl of ricotta work beautifully alongside a steaming plate of Italian Tomato Sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Besides tossing it with spaghetti, ladle your Italian Tomato Sauce onto homemade pizza, drizzle it over roasted eggplant, or use it as a simmering bath for poached eggs and toasted ciabatta. Try layering it in lasagna or serving in a big communal bowl for everyone to dip and savor together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade Italian Tomato Sauce only gets better as it sits, so don’t hesitate to make extra. Store cooled sauce in airtight containers or jars in your fridge for up to a week. The flavors will deepen and mellow—making leftovers even more luxurious.
Freezing
To freeze, divide cooled sauce into freezer-friendly bags or containers, clearly labeled with the date. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a low-key dinner emergency solved.
Reheating
To reheat your Italian Tomato Sauce, simply warm it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it needs loosening, splash in a little water or broth. Taste for seasoning and adjust before serving—it’s as good as new (if not even better)!
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, high-quality canned whole tomatoes can work in a pinch. Just drain and add as you would the processed fresh tomatoes—your Italian Tomato Sauce will still be delicious, though you may want to add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?
The sauce is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and has lost its watery look. Simmering uncovered lets excess moisture evaporate, so don’t rush—slow and steady wins this tomato race!
Can I add meat or other vegetables?
Absolutely! Browned sausage, ground beef, or vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms can be sautéed with the aromatics for a heartier version. Just remember, these will change the classic flavor profile of true Italian Tomato Sauce.
Is it possible to make this Italian Tomato Sauce in smaller batches?
Definitely. Simply divide all ingredients proportionally and follow the same steps. This recipe’s scale is great for stocking your freezer, but half or even quarter batches are perfect for smaller households or spontaneous cravings.
Why do you use both fresh tomatoes and tomato puree?
The combination gives the best of both worlds: fresh tomatoes offer bright, lively taste, while puree brings thickness and a deep, mellow base, resulting in an Italian Tomato Sauce with perfect balance and body.
Final Thoughts
If there’s a recipe guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like an Italian grandmother’s, it’s this Italian Tomato Sauce. Give it a go, let it simmer, and taste the difference that fresh, honest ingredients make—there’s truly nothing like a homemade sauce to bring everyone to the table. Enjoy the adventure, and don’t be surprised if you never go back to jarred sauce again!
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Italian Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: About 3 quarts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Tomato Sauce recipe is a classic, flavorful sauce that is perfect for pasta dishes or as a base for other Italian recipes. Made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs, this sauce is rich and aromatic.
Ingredients
Tomatoes:
25 pounds tomatoes
Onions:
4 onions
Garlic:
10-15 cloves
Fresh Basil:
3-4 handfuls
Tomato Puree:
1 28 oz. can
Salt:
to taste
Olive Oil
Parsley (dried, optional)
Oregano (dried, optional)
Instructions
- Cooking the Tomatoes: Check and clean tomatoes, boil for 3 minutes, peel off skin, and remove cores.
- Prepare Flavor Base: Blend onions, garlic, basil, salt, and optional herbs into a paste.
- Sauté Flavor Base: Cook the onion/garlic/basil mixture in olive oil until fragrant.
- Blend Tomatoes: Process tomatoes until smooth and add to the pot.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring to a boil, then simmer with tomato puree until thickened to your preference.
- Let it Rest: Simmer for 30 minutes to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Blend for Smoothness: Use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Italian Tomato Sauce, Pasta Sauce, Homemade Tomato Sauce
