Best Amazingly Simple Tomato Sauce Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

THE BEST TOMATO SAUCE



The Best Tomato Sauce image

There are about as many versions of tomato sauce as there are cooks in the world. The Italian-American heritage of one of our test-kitchen team members informed the development of this recipe, leading us to a version of her family's favorite tomato sauce. A variety of canned tomatoes adds richness. A long simmer helps the flavors meld and results in a sauce that is perfect on pasta or nestled around chicken cutlets or meatballs.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     condiment

Time 1h50m

Yield 12 cups

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic
1 medium onion, diced
One 28-ounce can whole San Marzano tomatoes
One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
One 14-ounce can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 piece Parmesan rind, optional
1 sprig basil

Steps:

  • Combine the olive oil and garlic cloves in a large saucepan over medium-low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is soft and golden brown, about 6 minutes (do not let the garlic burn). Once the cloves are nicely browned remove them from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  • Add the onion to the garlic-infused oil and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Crush the can of San Marzano tomatoes into the pot with your hands, then fill the can with water and pour it into the sauce. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, granulated garlic, onion powder and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Finely chop the reserved browned garlic cloves and add to the sauce.
  • Stir in the Parmesan rind, if using, and the basil sprig. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until it has deepened in color and reduced slightly, about 1 hour 30 minutes (if the sauce begins to scorch, lower the heat). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Discard the Parmesan rind and basil before serving.

THE SIMPLEST TOMATO SAUCE EVER (MARCELLA HAZAN)



The Simplest Tomato Sauce Ever (Marcella Hazan) image

In its very simplicity lie the secrets. This sauce is incredible. It has 3 ingredients, and no chopping. The amateurgourmet calls it Marcella Hazan's CRAZY tomato sauce. This is not your thick pasty sauce, it is a light luscious wonder. Add garlic or basil or mozzarella to it as you choose but try it this way first. The butter..DON'T switch to olive oil, it makes the sauce.

Provided by MarraMamba

Categories     Sauces

Time 50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 cups canned plum tomatoes (whole, peeled, chopped, with their juices about one 28-oz. can)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and cut in half
salt, to taste

Steps:

  • Combine the tomatoes, their juices, the butter, and the onion halves in a medium saucepan.
  • Add a pinch or two of salt. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, at a very slow but steady simmer, adjusting the heat as necessary, for about 45 minutes, or until droplets of fat float free from the tomato.
  • Stir occasionally, mashing any large pieces of tomato with the back of a wooden spoon. Taste and salt as needed.
  • Discard the onion.

SIMPLE TOMATO SAUCE



Simple Tomato Sauce image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 cups

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 (32-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
4 to 6 basil leaves
2 dried bay leaves
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, optional

Steps:

  • In a large casserole pot, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until soft and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add celery and carrots and season with salt and pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, basil, and bay leaves and simmer covered on low heat for 1 hour or until thick. Remove bay leaves and check for seasoning. If sauce still tastes acidic, add unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon at a time to round out the flavors.
  • Add half the tomato sauce into the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Continue with remaining tomato sauce.
  • If not using all the sauce, allow it to cool completely and pour 1 to 2 cup portions into freezer plastic bags. This will freeze up to 6 months.

SIMPLE TOMATO SAUCE



Simple Tomato Sauce image

Transform a can of whole peeled tomatoes into a flavorful sauce for pizza or pasta, simply by adding garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh oregano.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Gluten-Free Recipes

Yield Makes 2 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, (optional)
1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano leaves

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add red-pepper flakes (optional) and tomatoes, breaking them up as you go. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a rapid simmer. Cook, stirring often, until sauce thickens, about 15 minutes. Stir in oregano leaves.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 55 g, Fat 4 g

Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »

You'll also love

Tom's Manhattan Clam Chowder_image Tom's Manhattan Clam Chowder

4 Cheese Stuffed Shells_image 4 Cheese Stuffed Shells

Chocolate Fudge Cookies_image Chocolate Fudge Cookies

Corned Beef Waffles_image Corned Beef Waffles

Nyoyo (Cooked Vegetables)_image Nyoyo (Cooked Vegetables)

Turkey Chow Mein_image Turkey Chow Mein

Makeover Creamy French Dressing_image Makeover Creamy French Dressing

Pears in Orange Sauce_image Pears in Orange Sauce

Asian-Glazed Skillet Chicken_image Asian Glazed Skillet Chicken

Slow-Cooked Bell Peppers with Bay Leaves and Oregano_image Slow Cooked Bell Peppers with Bay Leaves and Oregano

Spinach and Ground Turkey_image Spinach and Ground Turkey

Fried Chicken_image Fried Chicken

Apple Pie Slice_image Apple Pie Slice

Bobby Flay's Adobo-Seasoned Chicken and Rice_image Bobby Flay's Adobo Seasoned Chicken and Rice

Cold Brew with Chicory_image Cold Brew with Chicory

Dark Chocolate Mousse_image Dark Chocolate Mousse

Cinnamon Raisin Apple Kuchen_image Cinnamon Raisin Apple Kuchen

Spiced Kumquat Chutney_image Spiced Kumquat Chutney

Chinese Take out Hot-And-Sour Soup_image Chinese Take out Hot And Sour Soup

Kale-Strawberry Salad_image Kale Strawberry Salad

Tomatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables out there. They can be used in a variety of dishes from soups to salads and sauces. Tomatoes are also known for their health benefits as they are low in calories and high in nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and folate. Tomato sauce is a popular sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes such as pasta, pizza, and meatballs. While there are many tomato sauce recipes out there, some are amazingly simple yet delicious.

The Benefits of Making Your Tomato Sauce

One of the main benefits of making your tomato sauce is that you can control the ingredients that go into it. Most store-bought tomato sauces contain added sugars, preservatives, and artificial flavors. By making your tomato sauce at home, you can use fresh and natural ingredients. Additionally, homemade tomato sauce is much more flavorful than store-bought alternatives.

The Basic Ingredients of a Simple Tomato Sauce Recipe

While there are many variations of tomato sauce recipes, there are some basic ingredients that most recipes have in common. These ingredients include:
1. Tomatoes
The star of the show, tomatoes are the main ingredient in tomato sauce. You can use fresh or canned tomatoes depending on your preference and the time of year. Fresh tomatoes are best used in the summer when they are in season and at their ripest. Canned tomatoes are a good option when fresh tomatoes are not available.
2. Garlic
Garlic is commonly used in tomato sauce as it adds depth and flavor. You can use fresh or dried garlic depending on your preference. Fresh garlic is more pungent while dried garlic has a milder flavor.
3. Olive Oil
Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and onions for the tomato sauce. It also adds flavor to the dish.
4. Onions
Onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the tomato sauce. They are usually cooked with garlic in olive oil before adding the tomatoes.
5. Salt
Salt is used to enhance the flavors of the tomato sauce.

Amazingly Simple Tomato Sauce Recipes

There are many tomato sauce recipes out there, but here are some of the amazingly simple ones:
1. Basic Tomato Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
  • 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes (28 oz)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
Directions:
  1. Crush the tomatoes with your hands or a potato masher.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes and salt to taste.
  5. Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes or until it thickens.
  6. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce or transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Spicy Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
  • 2 cans of diced tomatoes (14 oz)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
  • Salt, to taste
Directions:
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the red pepper flakes and cook for another minute.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes and salt to taste.
  5. Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes or until it thickens.
  6. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce or transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth.
3. Fresh Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
  • 8-10 ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
Directions:
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes and salt to taste.
  4. Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes or until it thickens.
  5. Stir in the fresh basil.

Conclusion

Tomato sauce is a versatile and delicious sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. While there are many tomato sauce recipes out there, some are amazingly simple yet delicious. By making your tomato sauce at home, you can control the ingredients and ensure that it is fresh and flavorful. The basic ingredients of a tomato sauce recipe include tomatoes, garlic, onions, olive oil, and salt. With these ingredients, you can make a variety of tomato sauces in different flavors and heat levels.
Tomato sauce is an essential ingredient in many dishes. It's versatile and provides a rich flavor to various dishes such as pasta, pizza, and soups. Making a tomato sauce may seem daunting to some, but in reality, it is straightforward and requires minimal effort. The key is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and follow a recipe carefully. In this article, we will provide valuable tips on how to make amazingly simple tomato sauce recipes that will impress your family and friends.

Tips for Making Simple Tomato Sauce

1. Start with Fresh Tomatoes
The first step in making a delicious tomato sauce is to start with fresh, ripe tomatoes. The quality of the tomatoes will significantly affect the flavor of the sauce. If you are making the sauce in the summertime, you can use fresh tomatoes from your garden or a farmers market. If it's not tomato season, you can opt for canned tomatoes. Choose canned whole peeled tomatoes as they are of better quality and flavor.
2. Cook Tomatoes Low and Slow
Cooking tomatoes for a more extended period results in a deeper and richer flavor. It's the same concept as slow-cooking meat. When cooking tomatoes, low heat is essential as high heat can make the tomatoes bitter. Cooking the sauce low and slow will also help to release the natural sugars in the tomatoes, making the sauce sweeter. Aim to cook the sauce for at least 30 minutes to one hour.
3. Use Minimal Ingredients
A tomato sauce recipe does not require many ingredients to make it delicious. Simple recipes are often the best! All you need is fresh tomatoes, garlic, onion, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can always add other ingredients such as red pepper flakes or dried oregano to your liking.
4. Add Garlic Towards the End
Garlic adds a unique flavor to the tomato sauce, but it's crucial to add it towards the end of the cooking process. Adding garlic at the start of the cooking process can make it bitter and overpowering. You want to infuse the garlic's flavor into the sauce without making it overpowering. Add minced garlic in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking the sauce.
5. Use a High-Quality Olive Oil
Olive oil is an integral ingredient in tomato sauce. It provides richness and depth to the sauce. The quality of the olive oil will significantly affect the flavor of your sauce. Choose a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil as it has a stronger flavor and a fruity aroma. Add the olive oil at the start of the cooking process and make sure the heat is low to prevent the oil from burning.
6. Consider Blanching and Peeling Tomatoes
Blanching and peeling the tomatoes is not a necessary step, but it can make the sauce smoother and less chunky. To blanch tomatoes, gently cut an X into the bottom of the tomatoes, then plunge them into boiling water for about 30 seconds. Remove them from the boiling water, and immediately place them into an ice bath to cool. Once they've cooled, remove the skins.
7. Add a Pinch of Sugar
Adding a pinch of sugar to the sauce can reduce the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance their natural sweetness. The acidity of the tomatoes can vary based on their ripeness and quality, so adding sugar can balance the flavor of the sauce. Use a small amount of sugar, less than a teaspoon, to avoid making the sauce overly sweet.
8. Finish with Fresh Basil
Fresh basil is a key ingredient in many tomato-based dishes, providing a sweet and slightly minty flavor. Chop fresh basil and add it to the sauce towards the end of the cooking process, as cooking it for too long can make it wilt and lose its flavor. The basil will infuse its flavor into the sauce and provide a fresh and aromatic taste.

Conclusion

Making a simple but delicious tomato sauce is not difficult, and it requires minimal effort and a few key ingredients. The key takeaways are to use fresh tomatoes, cook the sauce low and slow, use minimal ingredients, add garlic towards the end of the cooking process, use high-quality olive oil, consider blanching and peeling the tomatoes, add a pinch of sugar, and finish with fresh basil. Follow these tips, and you'll have an amazingly simple tomato sauce that will impress anyone who tries it.

Related Topics

Best Chicken With Clementine Sauce Avocado Pasta Recipes