Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce
This is a recipe I got from my father who got it from a little old lady he knew from Italy. I always simmer this sauce with my meatballs (recipe posted). You can also add sausage if you like. This sauce is to die for.
This is a recipe I got from my father who got it from a little old lady he knew from Italy. I always simmer this sauce with my meatballs (recipe posted). You can also add sausage if you like. This sauce is to die for.
- Carbohydrate 16.6507672918546 g
- Cholesterol 2.26000000191049 mg
- Fat 3.66324996635539 g
- Fiber 3.42762438126837 g
- Protein 3.45606783053909 g
- Saturated Fat 0.831822802231994 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (187g)
- Sodium 901.079369849716 mg
- Sugar 13.2231429105862 g
- Trans Fat 0.24007082533096 g
- Calories 101 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
- Empty plum tomatoes into a large bowl and squash with your hands.
- Add all ingredients (including any meatballs or sausage you want to add) to the pot and simmer for 3 hours.
My Nonna's Secret: A Simple Italian Tomato Sauce Recipe
The aroma of simmering tomatoes, garlic, and herbs – it's a scent that instantly transports me back to my childhood. My father, a man of few words but a master of simple pleasures, often spoke of the little old Italian lady who shared this recipe with him. It's a sauce that’s been passed down through generations, each simmer a testament to the enduring power of simple, delicious food.
This isn't just a tomato sauce; it's a story. It's the story of a family, of shared meals, and of the quiet joy found in the simplest of things. It’s a taste of Italy, captured in a pot on my stove, and the memories that come bubbling up with each spoonful are as rich and satisfying as the sauce itself. This isn't some fancy, complicated recipe from a Michelin-star restaurant; this is home-cooked comfort food, the kind that nourishes both body and soul. It's the kind of sauce that makes you feel loved and cared for, just like a warm hug on a cold day.
What makes this sauce so special? It's not just the ingredients; it's the process. The slow simmering allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a complexity that’s hard to achieve any other way. It's the gentle caress of the wooden spoon, stirring the sauce, a ritual that connects me to generations past. It's the anticipation, the waiting, the slow-cooked perfection that unfolds over hours. This sauce isn't rushed; it's savored, just like the moments we share around the table.
I often make this sauce when I want to feel grounded, connected to my heritage, and surrounded by the comforting embrace of family tradition. The simple act of making this sauce is a meditative practice for me – a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the little things in life. I often add meatballs, another family favorite recipe, to the pot, enhancing the richness and heartiness of the sauce, and sometimes sausage adds that bit of extra flavor for a fun twist. But even on its own, the sauce is incredible, a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.
More than just a recipe, this is a legacy. It's a tangible link to my past, a comforting reminder of the love and traditions that shape who I am. It's a dish I make not just for its taste, but for the memories it evokes, for the connection it provides to my family, and for the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal with the people I love.
So, gather your ingredients, find a quiet spot in your kitchen, and let the magic unfold. This is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It's a journey back in time, a taste of home, and a reminder of the simple pleasures that truly matter in life. And who knows, maybe you'll create your own stories and memories around this incredible sauce.
Enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1 small onion, diced
- 6 cloves (presumably garlic)
- 2 cans tomato puree
- 1 (28 ounce) can peeled plum tomatoes
- 1/4 cup grated cheese
