Great-Grandmom Mae Conforti’s Italian Tomato Sauce
Introduction
Great-Grandmom Mae Conforti’s Italian Tomato Sauce is a beloved family recipe that has been passed down through generations. This rich and flavorful sauce captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking, perfect for any meal.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this sauce because it brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen. It’s simple to prepare and uses everyday ingredients, making it accessible for anyone. Plus, there’s nothing quite like homemade sauce to elevate your pasta dishes or pizzas. Enjoying a meal made from a family recipe adds a special touch and warmth to your dining experience.
How to Make Great-Grandmom Mae Conforti’s Italian Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing everything thoroughly.
- Stir in the sugar, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce using an immersion blender.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh basil.
How to Serve Great-Grandmom Mae Conforti’s Italian Tomato Sauce
This sauce is best served over your favorite cooked pasta. It pairs well with spaghetti, penne, or any pasta shape you love. You can also use it as a base for pizza or as a dip for garlic bread.
How to Store Great-Grandmom Mae Conforti’s Italian Tomato Sauce
To store the leftover sauce, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in freezer-safe bags for up to three months.
Tips to Make Great-Grandmom Mae Conforti’s Italian Tomato Sauce
- Always sauté the onions and garlic on medium heat to prevent burning and ensure a nice flavor.
- If you want a sweeter sauce, add a bit more sugar to balance the acidity from the tomatoes.
- Feel free to adjust the herbs according to your taste. Fresh herbs can also be used for a more vibrant flavor.
Variation
You can add ground meat or sautéed vegetables to this sauce to make it more robust. A splash of red wine can also enhance the flavor profile.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Yes! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, you can use about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and chop them before adding to the sauce.
Q: How can I make this sauce spicier?
A: To add some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the onions.
Q: Is this sauce vegan?
A: Yes, Great-Grandmom Mae Conforti’s Italian Tomato Sauce is vegan, as it contains no animal products. Enjoy it guilt-free!
Great-Grandmom Mae Conforti’s Italian Tomato Sauce
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A rich and flavorful Italian tomato sauce, perfect for pasta dishes and pizzas, passed down through generations.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing thoroughly.
- Stir in the sugar, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If desired, blend the sauce for a smoother texture using an immersion blender.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For a sweeter sauce, add more sugar. Adjust herbs to taste and consider using fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: tomato sauce, Italian sauce, vegan sauce, homemade sauce