Description
This Easy Pomodoro Sauce recipe offers a simple yet flavorful tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Perfect for pasta dishes, this classic Italian sauce is cooked slowly to bring out rich, fresh flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup sweet onion, seeds removed and finely diced
- 5 cloves garlic, crushed
- 5 cups tomatoes (about 2 ½ pounds), finely diced
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, cut into thin strips
- ½ teaspoon salt, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook onions and garlic: In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent. Then add the crushed garlic and continue sautéing for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and cook: Add the diced tomatoes and optional sugar to the pot. Maintain the sauce over medium-low heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Crush tomatoes: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, use the back of your spoon to crush the tomatoes thoroughly until they break down into a smooth consistency.
- Season and simmer: Stir in the fresh basil and salt to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Serve: Pair the pomodoro sauce with spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta. Garnish with extra fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade classic tomato sauce!
Notes
- Fresh tomatoes yield the best flavor but canned whole peeled tomatoes can be used as a substitute if out of season.
- Adjust sugar according to the acidity of the tomatoes to achieve perfect balance.
- Simmering times can be extended for a thicker sauce.
- Use fresh basil for the brightest flavor; dried basil can be used but add earlier in the cooking process.
- For a smoother sauce, blend after cooking instead of crushing with a spoon.
