Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
2 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
12 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
50 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Italian
Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce
Description
This sauce starts by lightly sautéing garlic in olive oil without browning to preserve its aroma. Good-quality canned chopped tomatoes are added along with a small amount of water from rinsing the can to maintain flavor consistency. A pinch of salt enhances the natural sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes. The sauce simmers briefly to thicken slightly, concentrating tomato flavor without overpowering freshness.
Finishing with fresh basil leaves introduces a fragrant herbal brightness that complements tomato’s depth. The texture remains slightly chunky, but you may mash tomatoes for a smoother sauce if desired.
The sauce is well suited for coating cooked pasta, especially when emulsified with pasta water, which improves adhesion. It yields enough sauce to dress approximately 14 ounces of pasta for four servings.
Using quality canned tomatoes is key; brands like Cirio or Mutti are recommended. The sauce freezes well for later use, retaining its fresh tomato taste.
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic
- 15 oz canned chopped tomatoes 400g, good quality
- 1 basil optional, handful, fresh
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt
Instructions
- Finely chop or crush the garlic and add it to a skillet or frying pan with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Saute the garlic for 1 minute or until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
- Add the tomatoes then rinse out the can with 1-2 tablespoons of water and add that to the sauce. If your tomatoes are quite chunky or you prefer a smoother consistency you can use a potato masher to crush them at this point (optional).
- Add a pinch of salt and simmer on a medium heat for 8-10 minutes until reduced slightly. Turn off the heat and add a handful of freshly chopped basil (optional).
- If serving with pasta, use a small amount of pasta water to emulsify the sauce, add the pasta and toss until thoroughly coated (sauce makes enough for 400g or 14oz of pasta to serve 4).
Notes
- Choose good-quality canned tomatoes, such as Cirio or Mutti, canned in tomato juice rather than water.
- The sauce can be frozen in appropriate containers for convenient storage and later use.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 50 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 50kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Sodium | 152mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 203mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 130IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 35mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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