Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce: A Family Heirloom Recipe
When it comes to making a truly delectable Italian tomato sauce, few recipes can match the richness and authenticity of this delightful creation, which has been passed down through generations in my family. The origins of this sauce trace back to a charming little old lady from Italy, who imparted this recipe to my father, and now it has become a staple in my kitchen, especially when paired with my homemade meatballs (recipe available separately). This sauce is not only versatile but also a true labor of love, simmering slowly to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a sauce that is utterly irresistible. Feel free to add sausage for an extra layer of flavor if that suits your palate. Once you try this sauce, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved; it truly is to die for!
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Category: Sauces
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours and 20 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 based on 186 reviews)
Ingredients for Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce
Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients that you’ll need to create this rich and flavorful sauce, lovingly crafted to bring a taste of Italy right to your table.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomato puree | 2 cans |
| Plum tomatoes | 1 can |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Fresh basil (chopped) | 6 leaves |
| Kosher salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh ground black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of our meals is essential for maintaining a balanced diet, so here’s the breakdown for each serving of this delightful sauce.
| Nutritional Element | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145.4 |
| Total Fat | 6.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 1.8 mg |
| Sodium | 308.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g |
| Sugars | 12.6 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
Instructions for Making Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce
Embarking on the journey to make this authentic Italian tomato sauce is both rewarding and simple. Follow these steps carefully to ensure that each flavor is brought to life, creating a sauce that will enhance any dish it accompanies.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter if overcooked.
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Prepare the Plum Tomatoes: While the aromatics are cooking, take the can of plum tomatoes and transfer them to a large bowl. Using your hands, crush the tomatoes until they break down into a chunky consistency. This process not only helps release their natural juices but also gives the sauce a rustic texture. If you prefer a smoother sauce, feel free to use an immersion blender at this stage.
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Combine the Ingredients: Add the crushed plum tomatoes to the pot with the sautéed onion and garlic. Next, stir in the tomato puree, chopped basil, kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, sugar, and any meatballs or sausage you wish to include. The sugar will help balance the acidity of the tomatoes, while the fresh basil will infuse the sauce with aromatic flavors.
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Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, allowing the sauce to simmer uncovered for approximately 3 hours. Stir occasionally, ensuring that the sauce does not stick to the bottom of the pot. As it cooks, the flavors will deepen, and the sauce will thicken, creating a beautifully rich and savory dish.
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Final Touches: Once the sauce has simmered and achieved your desired thickness, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar if desired. If using, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese just before serving to add a deliciously creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This authentic Italian tomato sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. It’s particularly fantastic over al dente pasta or served alongside meatballs for a traditional spaghetti and meatball dinner that’s sure to impress. You can also use this sauce as a base for pizzas, lasagnas, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Storage Instructions
If you find yourself with leftover sauce, don’t worry; this sauce stores beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Conclusion
Making this authentic Italian tomato sauce is not just about the final product; it’s about the experience of bringing the flavors of Italy into your home and sharing it with loved ones. The time and care put into this sauce result in a dish that is rich, satisfying, and deeply flavorful, evoking the warmth and comfort of an Italian kitchen. Enjoy creating and savoring this family recipe that is sure to become a cherished part of your own culinary traditions!
This recipe is crafted to meet the high standards of loveandcare that the “Love With Recipes” site embodies, ensuring that every bite is filled with passion and authenticity, capturing the essence of true Italian cuisine. Happy cooking!
