Crock Pot Italian Tomato Sauce ๐
Overview:
This Crock Pot Italian Tomato Sauce is not just your average sauce โ it’s a culinary masterpiece that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor. With its simple ingredients and straightforward cooking process, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought sauce. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to use it in a variety of dishes. Once you try this sauce, you’ll never look back!
- Name: Crock Pot Italian Tomato Sauce
- Category: Sauces
- Keywords: European, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight
- Servings: 12
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
1 | Roma tomato |
4 | Olive oil |
3 | Onions |
4-6 | Garlic cloves |
4 | Celery stalks |
20 | Kosher salt |
– | Fresh ground black pepper |
– | Bay leaves |
4 | Unsalted butter |
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 103.8
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 36.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 14.3g
- Fiber: 3.8g
- Sugar: 8.5g
- Protein: 2.6g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Gallon cans of tomatoes are available at small restaurant supplies that are “wholesale, open to the public.” They will cost a lot less than retail. Place the tomatoes in the pot set on high.
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Saute the Aromatics:
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat, then add olive oil. Saute onions for 5 minutes until translucent.
-
Add Flavorful Ingredients:
- Add garlic, celery, carrots, and bay leaves to the pan. Saute for another 5-10 minutes until tender. Transfer this mixture to the pot with the tomatoes.
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Season the Sauce:
- Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper until it’s almost “right”. Stir well, then cover.
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Slow Cook to Perfection:
- Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Adjust the Seasoning:
- Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences. If the sauce is too acidic, add unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring well after each addition. This balances the acidity without the need for added sugar.
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Blend Until Smooth:
- Ladle a blender 3/4 full with the sauce and process until smooth. Repeat with the remaining sauce until you achieve the desired consistency.
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Store for Later Use:
- Pour the sauce into a large bowl. If you find it too thick, you can return it to the pot and cook on low, uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent darkening.
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Freeze for Future Meals:
- Once satisfied with the consistency, allow the sauce to cool completely. Ladle 2-cup servings into plastic freezer bags. Frozen, it will keep for up to 6 months.
Tips:
- For a thicker sauce, cook it uncovered on low heat, stirring frequently.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Experiment with adding other herbs and spices for different flavor profiles.
- Use this sauce as a base for pasta dishes, pizzas, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
This Crock Pot Italian Tomato Sauce recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the rich flavors and versatility of this homemade sauce that’s perfect for any occasion! ๐๐ฉโ๐ณ