Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce

Authentic Italian tomato sauce is simple, but it depends on good ingredients and patience. Ripe tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and basil are enough when the sauce is cooked gently.

This version is alcohol-free and works for pasta, pizza, or baked dishes.

Ingredients for 4 servings

• 800 g ripe tomatoes or canned peeled tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
• 1 small onion, optional, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar, only if tomatoes are very acidic
• 8 fresh basil leaves

Start gently

Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add garlic and onion if using. Cook over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes without browning the garlic.

Add the tomatoes

Add the tomatoes, crushing them with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Finish with basil

Remove the garlic if you prefer a milder sauce. Add basil at the end so it keeps its fresh aroma. Taste before adding sugar.

Conclusion

Real Italian-style tomato sauce is not complicated. Use good tomatoes, cook slowly, and keep the seasoning simple.