italian tomato sauce
Whenever I make this family recipe tomato sauce, it reminds me of my grandma's kitchen when I was a young girl. We always went to grandmas for Sunday dinner, and being Italian, we always had pasta and meatballs. You can adjust the amount of herbs you add to the sauce to make it your own. The longer you cook it, the better it gets. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little water. Add half a cup of light cream and make a pink sauce. This is a favorite of my family and friends. I hope you enjoy it.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
This Italian tomato sauce recipe really hits the mark with just the right amount of herbs and delectable tomato flavor. As it simmers, the onions, garlic, and basil intensify. This is a basic sauce that you can add more herbs and spices to your liking. Versatile, we served this tomato sauce over pasta. But this homemade tomato sauce can be used anywhere you'd use sauce, such as pizza, lasagna, and pasta dishes.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cored, peeled, and seeded or 56 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 2 cups water
- 2 - bay leaves
- 10 - fresh basil leaves, finely cut or 2 tsp dried
- 6 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped or 2 tsp dried
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- - salt and pepper, to taste
How To Make italian tomato sauce
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Step 1Crush tomatoes as fine as possible if they are whole. In a medium to large saucepan, pour olive oil and finely chopped onion and carrot; sauté until soft. -
Step 2Add minced garlic. Cook briefly. Do not burn the garlic. Garlic turns bitter if over-browned.
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Step 3Add the crushed tomatoes with 2 cups of water. Stir. Add spices and herbs.
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Step 4Stir in tomato paste.
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Step 5The sauce should simmer for at least 1 1/2 - 2 hours with the lid partially covering the pan. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
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Step 6Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
