Tomato Sauce : Easy Recipe

Mastering the Essentials of Homemade Tomato Sauce

There’s nothing more basic in the kitchen than a simple sauce. It’s the perfect accompaniment to pasta, braised beef, or vegetables.

The process of making your own fresh sauce isn’t difficult but it can take a while. Making a small batch for the freezer can take a whole afternoon (not to mention the time needed to wash jars).

Marcella Hazan was one of Italy’s leading cooking writers. She is also a strong influence on American Italian food. She was a pioneer in introducing American cooks to traditional Italian cooking techniques. Her recipe for tomato sauce only contains four ingredients and uses canned tomatoes to save time. It is ready in less than an hours.

Hazan’s recipe is simple, yet incredibly tasty. To get the perfect sauce, you must taste it and cook it until it is just right. It’s crucial to monitor the tomatoes closely, as they vary in sweetness, acidity, among other things. Stop cooking when you’ve reached a desired consistency and flavor.

It is easy to modify this recipe according to your taste or for the meal that you are planning to prepare. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to boost the acidity. I recommend adding 1 teaspoon of sugar in order to bring out the sweetness and balance the acidity. The addition of dried herbs, such as oregano and basil, is also a good idea. However you can skip these if you wish.

Once you have simmered the tomato sauce to your taste, it is ready to use or can be transferred into sterilized jars. Filling the jars is much faster and easier with a standard canning filter. Once the sauce is sealed, you can refrigerate or freeze it in its jars up to a full year.

You should read through this detailed tutorial before you begin. The tutorial will guide you through each step with pictures and tips on how to avoid common mistakes. Once canned, tomato sauce will last in the fridge up to a week and can be stored for 3 months. Pour your tomato sauce into a ice cube tin and freeze until firm. Then, pop the ice into a bag and thaw it when you are ready to enjoy the sauce.

My Recipe For Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, about 6-8, peeled and chopped)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• 1 tsp dried oregano or basil (or both)
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil: In a medium saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper. Add a pinch of sugar if the sauce is too acidic.
4. Simmer: Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Taste and adjust: Adjust the seasoning if needed. You can also add fresh basil at the end for a burst of flavor.
6. Blend (optional): For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and purée it.
7. Serve: Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

What can we do with Tomato Sauce ?

Here are five delicious ways that you can use homemade tomato sauce.

1. Classic Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce

• How to use: Follow the directions on your package to cook your favorite type of pasta (such as spaghetti or penne). Toss pasta cooked with tomato sauce.
• Enhance : Add grated Parmesan to the dish, along with fresh basil. Also, drizzle olive oil over it. Optional: mushrooms or meatballs.

2. Pizza Margherita

• How to use: Spread over pizza dough. Top with fresh basil, mozzarella, and olive oil.
• Baking: Bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 475degF/250degC until the cheese and crust are bubbling.

3. Shakshuka (Eggs in Tomato Sauce)

• Use : Pour into a saucepan and simmer. Pour the sauce into a skillet and simmer. Cover and continue to cook until the eggs are fully set (about 5-7 min).
• Serve With crusty bread as a dip. Optional: sprinkle feta and parsley.

4. Chicken Parmesan

• Use : Bread and fry cutlets of chicken. Place fried chicken into a baking dish. Top with tomato sauce.
• BAKE At 400degF (20degC), for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Serve with pasta or a salad.

5. Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Use : Halve bell peppers. Fill with a mix of cooked meat, rice, and tomato sauce.
• bake : Pour the sauce into the dish and place the peppers atop. Bake at 375degF 190degC for 30-40min.

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