Sauces, Rubs & Dressings

San Marzano Tomato Sauce

Name: San Marzano Tomato Sauce
Ingredients: 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium onion, 1/4" diced; 6 garlic cloves, 1/8" diced (more if you like); 1 celery stalk, 1/4" diced; 1 carrot, 1/4" diced; 2 (28 ounce) cans San Marzano diced tomatoes; 1/2 to 1 tsp chili pepper flakes; 1 tsp dried thyme; A few bay leaves; 1 tsp dried basil (if canned tomatoes don't have basil); "La San Marzano" Choice Grade with Basil from Costco (packed 8 or 10 cans at about $1.35 per can); Sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste; Unsalted butter and sugar to reduce acidity

A classic Italian tomato sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes.

tomato sauce san marzano italian

Instructions

In a large sauce pot, heat extra virgin olive oil on medium-high heat.
Add onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the celery and carrots, and sauté for 5 minutes.
Add salt, pepper, thyme, (basil if using) and chili pepper flakes.
Add the tomatoes and bay leaves, and bring to a simmer.
Simmer covered on low heat under a spatter shield for thirty minutes, stirring often to keep it from sticking to the bottom. Adjust the seasoning.
It will taste slightly acidic, so add butter one ounce at a time and sugar one tablespoon at a time until the acidity is gone.
Remove the bay leaves and puree the sauce, then simmer it for ten minutes before using it.

Notes

The sauce will keep in the refrigerator for five days and in the freezer for six months.