Tuscan Tomato Sauce
Tuscan Tomato Sauce is a rich and flavorful sauce made from ripe tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like basil and oregano. Inspired by traditional Tuscan cuisine, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. This versatile sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, meats, or as a base for various Italian dishes, delivering an authentic, rustic taste straight from the heart of Tuscany to your table.
Equipment
- Large saucepan or skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Immersion blender (optional)
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 6 large ripe tomatoes peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 large carrot peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 celery stalk roughly chopped
- Fresh basil leaves torn, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the roughly chopped carrot and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their flavors.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Stir well to combine with the vegetables. Let the tomatoes simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to break them down.
- Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, fresh rosemary, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for an additional 20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth. For a chunkier texture, leave it as is. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and serve with your favorite pasta or as a base for other Italian dishes.
Notes
If the tomatoes taste too acidic, a small pinch of sugar will balance out the flavor beautifully without overpowering the sauce.