Simple Tomato Sauce
Andrea Potischman
Mar 8, 2017
A good classic homemade tomato sauce is the cornerstone of countless culinary creations. Its essence lies in the quality of the tomatoes. Ripe, flavorful tomatoes bring a natural sweetness and depth that no store-bought version can match. Good quality canned tomatoes or ripe fresh tomatoes are the heart and soul of any tomato sauce. Their natural sweetness, balanced acidity, and rich flavor create a base that transforms ordinary pasta or tomato sauce-based dishes into extraordinary feasts.
I prefer a simple and pure tomato sauce. This sauce’s true magic lies in its versatility. It’s a canvas for an array of dishes. From the hearty comfort of lasagna to the zesty zing of pizza, this sauce elevates each creation to new heights. A homemade sauce allows for a personal touch, from selecting the finest tomatoes to infusing it with your favorite herbs and spices. It’s a labor of love that resonates in every spoonful.
This sauce is extremely versatile and can be used for almost any Italian recipe. Made a day or two in advance or frozen for future use, this sauce holds up without losing flavor. In the summer, during peak tomato season, try using fresh tomatoes for maximum flavor. In the realm of culinary prowess, a classic homemade tomato sauce is your steadfast ally. With the right tomatoes, it transcends mere condiment status, becoming a transformative elixir that breathes life into your recipes. Elevate your dishes; let the tomato sauce shine.
Simple Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, small dice
- 1 large carrot, peeled, small dice
- 1 stalk celery, small dice
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- Two (28-ounce cans) whole tomatoes, chopped (San Marzano preferably)
- Kosher salt to taste
Directions:
- Place a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. When hot, but not smoking, add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft and just beginning to brown, about 5-6 minutes. Add the carrot and celery and cook for another 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juice and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Once boiling, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, place the sauce in the bowl of a Cuisinart mixer with a standard chopping blade attachment. Purée the sauce for about 1 minute until smooth and slightly orange in color. Remove from the mixer and season with salt to taste
Hi Andrea, Thanks for sharing your expertise. I’ve been learning to cook over the last 3 or 4 years and love a simple sauce like this as well. Do you have any recommendations for canned tomatoes? Thanks,
Hi Dean. Thanks for your note. Good for you for learning how to cook, I hope you have been enjoying the process. Thanks for following, much appreciated. For canned tomatoes I love San Marzano tomatoes. A bit more expensive, but well worth it, especially when making a homemade tomato sauce.
Can’t wait to try this sauce! I think Caden will love it.