A Batch of Red Sauce
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Plum tomatoes are super delicious in this easy red sauce.
Author:
Recipe type: Sauce
Cuisine: Sauce
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • ¾ c. olive oil (not extra virgin)
  • 1 large Spanish onion, finely diced
  • 12 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
  • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cans (28-oz) whole plum tomatoes (imported and/or San Marzano, if possible) (*)
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • ½ tsp. ground black pepper
  • Handful fresh basil leaves, julienned
  • 2 Tb. unsalted butter (**)
Instructions
  1. In a heavy ceramic pan, add oil, garlic and onions (and red pepper flakes, if using); cook over medium heat until soft and slightly brown.
  2. Place whole tomatoes in food processor (in 2 batches, one for each can) and process until smooth. Pour tomatoes into onion/garlic mixture. Add salt and pepper and stir well.
  3. Bring to a low simmer and cook about 45 minutes. If it boils too too much, reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently to avoid sticking.
  4. Turn off heat. Stir in butter and basil, then serve.
Notes
(*) - I find that whole tomatoes (in a can) offer more flavor than crushed tomatoes in a can, so you'l find that the extra step of pureeing them in a food processor will be worth it in the end.
(*) - Adding butter is a technique employed by famed Italian chef, Marcella Hazan, who added it to enrich the sauce.
Recipe by My Delicious Blog at https://www.mydeliciousblog.com/a-batch-of-red-sauce/