Go Back

The Basics: Tomato Sauce

A simple to prepare, delicious Italian tomato sauce that's perfect as-is though equally amenable to add-ins.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 28-32 oz. can whole Italian tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup good quality Italian olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp chopped fresh garlic
  • 1 scant tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt

Instructions
 

  • Into a heavy bottomed pot pour the olive oil and put over medium-low heat.
  • Once the oil is shimmering lightly, add the garlic and stir.
  • Have the tomatoes ready to pour in just as the garlic gets a toasty color, about 2 minutes.
  • Using a food mill or your hands, squish the tomatoes into the oil and garlic. Add the salt and basil, stir, and bring just to a lazy bubble.
  • Cover with the lid tilted to let any steam escape and simmer for about an hour. Stir every once in a while, keeping the heat adjusted so the sauce stays just at a lazy bubble.
  • Serve over pasta or in any recipe that calls for about three cups of Italian tomato sauce.
  • This recipe easily multiplies up, can be refrigerated for about four days, and/or freezes beautifully.