Thick Tomato Sauce

Thick Tomato Sauce Recipe from Italy - Delicious and Flavorful

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Thick tomato sauce is a versatile and flavorful sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you use it as a base for pasta dishes, as a topping for pizza, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, this sauce is sure to add a burst of flavor to your meals.

History

Tomato sauce has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. The use of tomatoes in cooking dates back to the 16th century, when they were first introduced to Europe from the Americas. Over time, tomatoes became a popular ingredient in Italian cooking, and tomato sauce recipes evolved to include a variety of herbs and spices.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of olive oil
1 medium onion
1 clove of garlic
1.5 medium (14 oz (397 g)) cans of peeled tomatoes
0.25 cup of tomato paste
sea salt and black pepper
1 tsp of sugar
0.5 bay leaf
2 tsp of chopped basil

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a wide pan.
Peel and chop the onion, then cook it slowly until it becomes softened.
Ensure that the onion does not turn more than a pale yellow color.
Peel and crush the garlic, then add it towards the end of the cooking process.
Pour in the canned tomatoes along with their juice and the tomato puree (paste).
Chop roughly in the pan using the edge of a palette knife.
Add the salt, pepper, sugar, and bay leaf.
Simmer slowly for 1 hour without the lid, until the mixture reduces to a thick sauce, stirring occasionally.
Add the chopped basil during the last few minutes of cooking.

Variations

Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Stir in some cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a meaty sauce.
Add a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onions slowly to bring out their natural sweetness.

- Crushing the garlic before adding it to the sauce will release more flavor.

- Simmering the sauce slowly for an hour will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve thick tomato sauce over pasta, as a topping for pizza, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.

Cooking Techniques

Slowly simmering the sauce allows the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.

- Chopping the tomatoes roughly in the pan helps to break them down and create a chunky sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes for a fresher flavor.

- If you don't have basil, you can use oregano or thyme instead.

Make Ahead Tips

Thick tomato sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve thick tomato sauce in a decorative bowl with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top.

Pairing Recommendations

Thick tomato sauce pairs well with pasta, pizza, breadsticks, or grilled vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of thick tomato sauce contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of thick tomato sauce contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of thick tomato sauce contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of thick tomato sauce contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomato sauce is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Thick tomato sauce is a low-calorie, flavorful sauce that is a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Thick tomato sauce is a versatile and flavorful sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious sauce that will elevate your meals.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Thick Tomato Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, filled with handwritten notes and clippings from magazines. As I sifted through the crinkled papers, my eyes landed on a faded index card with the words "Thick Tomato Sauce" scrawled in elegant cursive.

I couldn't remember where I had gotten this recipe from, but something about it intrigued me. I had always been a fan of tomato sauce, but the idea of making a thick, rich version was something I had never attempted before. With a sense of excitement, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen.

As I chopped the onions and garlic, the familiar aromas filled the air, bringing back memories of my own grandmother's kitchen. She was the one who had taught me the basics of cooking, instilling in me a love for good food and the joy of sharing it with others. I could almost hear her voice in my head, guiding me through the steps of the recipe.

I sautéed the onions and garlic in a generous amount of olive oil, letting them soften and release their fragrant oils. Next, I added the canned tomatoes, crushing them gently with a wooden spoon to release their juices. A sprinkle of sugar and a pinch of salt added just the right balance of sweetness and seasoning.

As the sauce simmered on the stove, I couldn't help but taste it every now and then, adjusting the flavors with a dash of oregano here, a splash of red wine there. The aroma of the sauce filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation of the meal to come.

After a few hours of slow cooking, the sauce had thickened to perfection, its deep red color glistening in the pot. I couldn't resist dipping a spoon into the sauce and tasting it one final time. The flavors danced on my tongue, a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with just a hint of spice from the garlic and onions.

I knew that this recipe for Thick Tomato Sauce would become a staple in my kitchen, a dish to be shared with loved ones and passed down through generations. It had a warmth and comfort to it that reminded me of family gatherings and lazy Sundays spent around the dinner table.

As I sat down to enjoy a bowl of pasta smothered in the thick tomato sauce, I couldn't help but smile. This recipe was more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions – it was a piece of my history, a connection to the generations of cooks who had come before me.

And as I savored each bite, I knew that the love and care I had put into making this sauce would be felt by all who tasted it. It was a simple pleasure, but one that brought me immense joy and satisfaction.

In that moment, I felt grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in the kitchen, to experiment with new recipes and flavors, and to carry on the traditions of my family. And as I licked the last bit of sauce from my spoon, I knew that this recipe would always have a special place in my heart – a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.