Basic Tomato Sauce Recipe

 

Up to this point we have not found a tomato sauce that we can all agree on.  The kids will tell me about a "new sauce" that their friends have, but it usually contains ingredients that we don't want in our house.  On the flip side, I will find a new jarred sauce that is made with only the best and the kids aren't thrilled with the taste.  This recipe reminds me of years past when I use to import ceramics from Italy and the manufacturers use to take us for two hour lunches.  Every meal started with spaghetti and a sauce so light and fresh as to not interfere with the rest of the meal.  The following recipe is just as light and fresh as my memories and was enjoyed by all.  I would also say that this recipe would make a great base to a more robust sauce.  Below you will find a list of ideas to try.  In the mean time take a stab at trying this simple tomato sauce and imagine yourself in Italy. #Mangiare aka. #Eatup

Recipe adapted from Gwyneth Paltrow's book My Father's Daughter

Basic Tomato Sauce Recipe

Makes 4 cups

Time: 1 Hour

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

  • 6 cloves of garlic, peeled and thinly sliced

  • 4 fresh basil leaves

  • 2 28ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes with their juice

  • Coarse Salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

  1. Heat the olive oil, garlic and two basil leaves in a medium stock pot.

  2. Cook for about 5 minutes making sure the garlic doesn't burn.

  3. Add the tomatoes and their juice and bring to a boil.

  4. Add salt and pepper.

  5. Reduce to a simmer and continue to cook for 45 minutes.

  6. Stir occasionally breaking up the tomatoes.

As I said earlier, this recipe would make for a great starting point to a more robust sauce.  Here are a list of a few variations.  Let me know which one you choose and how it worked out in the comment section below.

  • add ground beef or chicken

  • add veggies like mushrooms or zucchini

  • add red pepper flakes

Options are endless, so let me know in the comment section below what version you tried at your house.  If you have a photo you would like to share, find me on Instagram and tag me in your photo. @CEOoftheHouse #HappyCooking