Southern Italian Tomato Sauce
10 servings
120 minutes
Southern Italian tomato sauce is the heart of Mediterranean cuisine, embodying the warmth of sunny southern Italy. Its rich flavor arises from the tanginess of tomatoes, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and the depth of aromatic garlic. A light acidity balanced with sugar and spices makes the sauce a perfect complement to pasta, meat dishes, and even pizza. Its origin dates back to ancient times when Italian housewives would simmer tomatoes for hours to create a base for traditional family meals. The aroma of cumin and coriander adds a subtle Eastern note, making this sauce not just a classic but also a fine example of culinary art with delicate touches from different cultures. Its richness and softness create a sense of home comfort in every spoonful.
1
Heat a large pot, pour in olive oil for frying, and add peeled garlic without the core, sweet and regular onions - quickly fry everything together, then reduce the heat and slowly fry (10 minutes) until the onions become transparent and soft. Do not brown.
- Garlic: 8 cloves
- Red onion: 1 head
- Olive oil: 8 tablespoons
- Sweet red onion: 1 head
2
Add tomato paste there, slightly increasing the heat, mix with onion and garlic, and sauté well for 4-5 minutes.
- Tomato paste: 4 tablespoons
3
Then add the peeled and sliced fresh tomatoes. Mix everything together and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Tomatoes: 1600 g
4
Add peeled canned tomatoes with juice, removing the stems beforehand. Simmer covered for 1 hour.
- Canned tomatoes: 800 g
5
During the stewing process, add salt, sugar, and black pepper.
- Sea salt: to taste
- Sugar: 2.5 tablespoons
- Ground black pepper: to taste
6
Remove the pot from the stove and blend everything until smooth.
7
At the end, add lightly roasted and coarsely ground cumin and coriander.
- Cumin (zira): 1 teaspoon
- Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon
8
Garnish the dish with fresh green basil when serving.
- Green basil leaves: 1 stem