Simple Tomato Sauce

What a great way to start your Sunday morning…  a pot of sauce simmering on the stove

Mmmm… the wonderful smell of garlic, onions and tomatoes all melding together in Italian symmetry

 Sometimes I’ll start a pot of sauce without a definite plan of what the application will be, but somehow tonight’s dinner will include tomato sauce in some way, shape or form

 This is a thinner version of our sauce which is delicious to serve over pasta or to gently simmer meatballs

 Let’s cook!

 Finely chop one large onion

Sweat the onion in olive oil over medium heat until translucent about 6-7 minutes

Stir frequently and lower the heat if they begin to brown at all

If you overcook the onions, they give sauce a bitter taste

Add 3 cans of good quality tomatoes.  I choose either crushed or whole plum and “squish” them by hand (technical cooking term)

I never use the pre-seasoned canned tomatoes because I like to add in my own flavor

Add in kosher salt, black pepper and pepper flakes plus bay leaves, garlic powder, onion powder, dry basil, dry oregano and a pinch of sugar

I’m a big fan of fresh herbs, but use the dry herbs as well for a different level of flavor

Mince 4 cloves of garlic and add to the pot
(Did I mention we like to use a LOT of garlic??)

I know many recipes saute the garlic with the onions, but we’ve found that you keep that garlicky freshness if you let it cook right in with the sauce

Stir to combine all of the ingredients, cover and let the melding begin!

Simmer on medium-low for about 60 minutes, stirring occasionally

In our house, it’s everyone’s job to keep an eye on the sauce.  If you pass by, give it a stir and be rewarded by a steaming tomato facial

Measure out 1 cup of dry red wine, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and a tablespoon of tomato paste

 The grated Parmesan adds a little more depth to the flavor and a hint of saltiness

Add in the wine, cheese and tomato paste to the pot, give a stir, cover and let cook for another 30 minutes or until the desired thickness

I like to store the leftover tomato paste in a baggie in the freezer.  When I need to add some to a recipe, I can just cut off a piece and it defrosts as it cooks

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as necessary

Enjoy!

 

Tools used to make this recipe

Royal Classique Measuring Cups

Simply Bamboo Cutting Board

Pyrex 3-Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set

ZELITE INFINITY Santoku Knife

Farberware Classic Series Stainless Steel 8-Quart Covered Saucepot

© Simply Sundays 2016
All rights reserved