How to make tomato sauce, explained

Making a nice tomato sauce is a culinary delight that can enhance a variety of dishes, from pasta to pizzas and more. Here’s a simple recipe to create a flavorful tomato sauce:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (400 grams) of crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (400 grams) of tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley) for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and lightly golden. This should take about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning. The garlic will release its aroma and flavor during this time.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring well to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Reduce the heat to low.
4. Add the dried basil and oregano to the saucepan, stirring to incorporate the herbs into the sauce. These herbs will infuse the sauce with their aromatic flavors.
5. If desired, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. This step is optional and can be adjusted to suit your personal taste preferences.
6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to start with a small amount and adjust as needed. You can always add more later, but it’s difficult to remove excess salt once added.
7. Simmer the sauce over low heat for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. You can simmer for longer if you have the time, as it will intensify the flavors even more.
8. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender or countertop blender to puree the sauce.
9. Serve the tomato sauce over your favorite pasta, use it as a base for pizza, or incorporate it into other dishes as desired. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

Enjoy your homemade tomato sauce, which will bring a burst of deliciousness to your meals. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients such as red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan cheese, or a splash of red wine to customize the sauce to your liking

How to make a tomato meat sauce (Bolognese sauce)

To make a tomato sauce with meat, such as a classic meat sauce or Bolognese sauce, follow this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 pound (450 grams) ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
• 1 can (400 grams) of crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (400 grams) of tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley) for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery, and sauté until they become soft and lightly golden. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the ground meat to the saucepan, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook the meat until it browns evenly and is no longer pink. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
3. Once the meat is cooked, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the saucepan, stirring well to combine with the meat and vegetable mixture.
4. Sprinkle in the dried basil and oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to incorporate the herbs and seasonings into the sauce.
5. If desired, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. This step is optional and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have the time. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
7. Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
8. Serve the tomato sauce with meat over your preferred pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. It also works well with other dishes like lasagna or as a topping for pizza.
9. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a final touch of freshness and flavor, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious tomato sauce with meat, which will add richness and depth to your meals. This sauce can be made in larger batches and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for future use.