Pomodoro Sauce
User Reviews
5
Pomodoro Sauce
Description
Pomodoro Sauce combines ripe plum tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil, finely diced onion, minced garlic, and a blend of fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, and parsley. The tomatoes are quartered and seeded before being pureed to a mostly smooth consistency with some chunkiness retained for texture. After straining excess liquid, the sauce is simmered uncovered to concentrate the flavors and thicken the consistency. This method helps develop a fresh but rich tomato flavor without heaviness.
The flavor profile balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes with a hint of sweetness, adjusted if needed by adding sugar. Salt and pepper season the sauce, while fresh herbs add aromatic complexity. The sautéing of garlic and onion in olive oil provides a subtle savory base that complements the bright tomato taste. The sauce’s texture shows visible tomato pieces, making it hearty yet light.
This sauce is intended as a pasta topping, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh herbs. It can be served over any cooked pasta variety, enhancing meals with a classic Italian touch. The recipe yields about 2 cups, enough for 3-4 servings, but can be doubled to suit larger gatherings.
The sauce benefits from using ripe summer tomatoes and quality olive oil to maximize flavor. Simmering uncovered allows the sauce to thicken naturally without becoming overly dense. Adjust seasoning after cooking to suit personal taste, including red pepper flakes for heat if desired. The shorter simmer preserves freshness, making it suitable for home-cooking with readily available ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs. tomato I use about 6-8 plum tomatoes, fresh
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh herbs such as a combination of basil, oregano, and parsley, chopped
- kosher salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- pasta for serving; pasta cooked; Parmesan grated; additional fresh herbs
- Parmesan Cheese
- herbs
Instructions
- Quarter the tomatoes and use your fingers to quickly scoop out most of the seeds. It helps to run the tomato under cold water to get any extra seeds out, and don’t worry – you don’t have to be meticulous about it. This should only take a few minutes!
- Puree tomatoes in a food processor until mostly smooth, leaving some good chunks for texture in your sauce. Transfer to a colander and set aside to strain excess liquid (you do not need to squeeze the tomatoes totally dry).
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Be sure to stir the garlic and onion constantly so that the garlic doesn’t burn. Add the strained tomatoes and the fresh herbs; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low; simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Depending on the sweetness of your tomatoes, you may need to add a dash of sugar too, to taste. Serve over pasta and garnish with cheese and additional fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use ripe plum tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Simmer the sauce uncovered to allow it to thicken and concentrate the flavors.
- Adjust salt, pepper, and sweetness after cooking to suit your taste.
- For a spicy version, add crushed red pepper flakes.
- This recipe makes about 2 cups, enough for 3-4 servings; ingredients can be doubled for more sauce.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the sauce's flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 2721 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.5cup | |
| Calories | 272.1kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 7.1g | 2% |
| Protein | 1.3g | 3% |
| Fat | 28.4g | 44% |
| Saturated Fat | 4.1g | 21% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.2g | 25% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 20.1g | 101% |
| Sodium | 11.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 297mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1.6g | 6% |
| Sugar | 0.4g | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.