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Italian tomato sauce

Everyone loves Italian tomato sauce. It is found on many different authentic Italian dishes such as spaghetti, pizza, ziti, lasagna, etc. Thankfully, you don't have to come from Italy or have a little Italian nonna to make a great tomato sauce. This is a simple recipe that will have you singing "That's Amore" and friends and family thinking you have been taking secret cooking lessons.

Ingredients

2 cn tomato (crushed tomatoes, large cans, 28 oz)
1 1⁄2 t seasoning (Italian seasoning)
1 T minced garlic (fresh or from a jar)
2 T olive oil (for flavor)
1⁄2 c wine (optional, red wine)
  seasoning (salt and pepper to taste)
  red pepper (optional, red pepper flakes)

Instructions

Fry the minced garlic in the oil. Add both garlic and oil in pot and fry on low/med heat until garlic begins to sizzle. Do not over brown garlic as it can become bitter. Entire process should take on average 2-3 minutes.

Pour both cans of crushed tomatoes into the same pot.

Add salt/pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional wine and crushed red pepper if desired.

Mix all ingredients into tomato sauce until thoroughly incorporated.

Cook on low heat for an optimum 8 hours, but will be wonderful after 3-4 hours as well.

Whien it is ready, use the tomato sacue as is, or cool it down and refrigerate, or freeze, to use it another time.

Total time
5 hours
Cooking time
0
Preparation time
300
Yield
10 servings

Notes

The sauce can be used in a variety of different ways and will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 days or up to three months in the freezer.

Crushed tomatoes can be found absolutely anywhere these days. Stick with those that are manufactured in Italy and have an "addition" of basil or Italian herbs added. This will yield the best taste results.

Dried seasoning works just fine and saves money, but still gets you that authentic Italian flavor.

All the minced garlic in a jar has the same size and that helps in even cooking.

If you have a problem judging how much salt and pepper to use, add them slowly. Remember you can always add more, but can't take it away.

Red wine doesn't need to be expensive, but make sure it is at least something you could drink by the glass. The alcohol will render off during the cooking process, so no worries there.

Like spicy sauce? Then you can add as much or as little as you may like. Remember this is not mandatory, totally an optional addition and your sauce will taste wonderful with or without it.

Source

Italian cuisine

You will also need a 5 qt stainless steel pot - make sure the pot is not any smaller and comes with a venting lid and mixing bowls, measuring cups, and measuring spoons.

sauces, condiments
vegetables
Italian food recipes
Food in Europe