Italian tomato sauce

Italian Tomato Sauce: A Savory Base for Culinary Delights

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Italian tomato sauce is a classic and versatile recipe that serves as the foundation for many delicious dishes. From flavorful pasta to tasty pizza, this sauce is an excellent choice for adding flavor to any meal. With a rich history, tomato sauce has become a symbol of Mediterranean cuisine, used for centuries in simple yet flavorful dishes.

Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 800 ml tomato juice (fresh or canned)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (no starch)
- 50 ml extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, pepper to taste
- Various aromatic leaves (basil, oregano) to taste (1 teaspoon dried leaves or 1 tablespoon fresh leaves)

Preparation Techniques:
1. Prepare utensils and ingredients: Ensure you have all the ingredients at hand, as well as a heavy-bottomed pot, which will help distribute heat evenly. This is essential to prevent the sauce from burning.

2. Sauté the onion: Start by heating the pot over medium heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil, followed by the chopped onion. Sprinkle a pinch of salt, which will help draw moisture from the onion. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Here, patience is key; don’t rush, as caramelized onion will add a deep flavor to your sauce.

3. Add the garlic: Once the onion is ready, add the chopped garlic and let it soften for a minute. Be careful, as garlic can burn very easily, which will change its flavor. So stir constantly!

4. Integrate the tomato paste: Now it’s time to add the tomato paste. Cook the mixture for a few minutes until the oil starts to rise to the surface and the paste takes on a darker color. This is an essential step, as caramelizing the tomato paste will intensify the flavor of the sauce.

5. Add the tomato juice: Now you can add the tomato juice. Mix well, then season with salt, pepper, and aromatic leaves. If using dried leaves, one teaspoon is sufficient, but for fresh ones, a tablespoon will add a fresh and vibrant aroma to the sauce.

6. Simmer and thicken: Cook the sauce on low heat, allowing it to simmer gently for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally so that the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. You will notice how the sauce thickens and the oil rises to the surface, signaling that it’s ready.

Practical Tips:
- Ingredient optimization: Use fresh tomatoes in season for a more intense flavor. You can blanch and puree them for a smoother sauce texture.
- Aromatic variations: Depending on your preferences, you can experiment with different herbs, such as fresh basil or thyme, to give your sauce a personalized touch.
- Adding vegetables: You can include vegetables like chopped carrots or peppers, which add natural sweetness and interesting texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use canned tomatoes? Yes, canned tomatoes are excellent for sauces. Choose high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor.
2. How can I store the sauce? Tomato sauce keeps well in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 5-7 days. You can also freeze it for later use.
3. What other dishes can I make with this sauce? This sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, lasagna, or even as a base for various stews.

Serving and Combinations:
Tomato sauce can be served warm, over al dente pasta, sprinkled with grated parmesan and fresh basil leaves. It is also ideal for pizza, where you can add ingredients like mozzarella, olives, or vegetables.

For a complete experience, serve this sauce with a glass of red wine or fresh lemonade, which will perfectly complement the Mediterranean flavors.

Italian tomato sauce is not just a simple recipe, but a true culinary experience. So, get ready to enjoy a dish that blends tradition with innovation, making every serving a celebration of flavor!