This is a simple homemade tomato sauce that can be made in 25 minutes start to finish. It’s perfect over your favourite pasta or gnocchi.
The Ultimate Guide to Making Authentic Tomato Sauce: A Chef’s Recipe for the Perfect Home-Cooked Meal
Tomato sauce is the heart of countless Italian dishes and an essential recipe for any home cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re making pasta, pizza, or a hearty lasagna, knowing how to create a rich, flavourful tomato sauce is the key to elevating your dish. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about crafting the perfect tomato sauce—starting with its humble origins, all the way to a step-by-step recipe that will help you master this culinary classic. This is Fallow’s take on this staple sauce.
The History of Tomato Sauce
While tomatoes are native to the Americas, tomato sauce as we know it today has its roots in Italy. The story begins in the 16th century when tomatoes were first brought to Europe from the New World. Initially met with skepticism, tomatoes were soon embraced by Italian cuisine, becoming a staple ingredient in many regional dishes. By the 18th century, tomato sauce was a beloved part of Italian cooking, particularly in Southern Italy, where fresh tomatoes were abundant.
Today, tomato sauce is a cornerstone of Italian cuisine and has become a versatile ingredient worldwide. From spaghetti alla marinara to pizza Margherita, its influence can be found in kitchens everywhere.
What Makes a Great Tomato Sauce?
The secret to a perfect tomato sauce lies in the quality of the ingredients and the techniques used to bring them together. A few simple, high-quality ingredients like ripe tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs are all you need. But the magic comes in how they’re combined. Simmering your sauce slowly allows the flavors to meld, creating a rich, aromatic base for countless dishes.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Tomato Sauce
- Olive Oil: A must for adding depth and richness to your sauce.
- Fresh Garlic and Onion: These aromatic vegetables provide a savory base for your sauce.
- Fresh Basil and Oregano: Herbs elevate the sauce with fresh, earthy flavors.
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Simple yet essential, these seasonings bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
Can I freeze homemade tomato sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade tomato sauce freezes exceptionally well. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
What’s the best way to thicken tomato sauce?
If your sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered to let the liquid evaporate and thicken. You can also blend part of the sauce or add a spoonful of tomato paste to achieve a thicker consistency.
Mastering a basic tomato sauce is a valuable skill that can transform your cooking. With high-quality ingredients and the right techniques, you’ll be able to create a tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavour—perfect for any dish that calls for it.
PrintTomato Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 people 1x
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 750g fresh tomatoes
- 1 banana shallot
- 3 cloves garlic
- 500ml passata
- Large bunch basil
- Salt and pepper
- 60ml olive oil
Instructions
- Peel the tomatoes by cutting a cross in the tops and bottoms. Blanch in boiling water for 20 seconds then remove and place immediately into iced water to cool. Peel off the skins.
- Cut the tomatoes into quarters and remove the seeds and core with a knife then cut the flesh into dice.
- Heat the olive oil in a heavy-based pan and add the shallots, garlic and a pinch of salt.
- Cook until translucent and soft but not browned.
- Add the tomatoes, and vodka and allow to boil, then stir in the passata.
- Bring to a simmer and turn down the heat.
- Tie the basil in a bunch and add to the pan and allow to infuse while the sauce bubbles for 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve with freshly cooked pasta, a good grating of cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
