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A pot of vibrant red pomodoro sauce garnished with fresh basil leaves sits on a rustic wooden table, with a spoon resting inside the sauce.
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Authentic Pomodoro Sauce Recipe

An easy, authentic Pomodoro Sauce made with just five ingredients and one pot. Fresh, bold flavor in under 40 minutes. Adapted from The Glorious Vegetables of Italy by Domenica Marchetti
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 10 servings
Author: Marissa Stevens

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 large garlic cloves lightly crushed
  • 2 28-ounce cans diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste
  • 5 large fresh basil leaves torn into small pieces

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add the garlic. Press the garlic cloves with a wooden spoon to extract more flavor. Let them cook for about 2 minutes until they begin to sizzle, being careful not to let them brown.
  • Add the tomatoes with their juice (carefully, to avoid splatter) and stir to combine. Add salt and increase the heat to medium-high. Once the sauce begins to simmer, lower the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer gently for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and you notice oil collecting on the surface.
  • Remove sauce from heat and stir in the fresh basil. Taste and adjust with more salt if needed. If you're not using it right away, let it cool before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • One small garlic clove works if you want a milder flavor, but I usually use two for more depth.
  • For a smooth sauce, blend it after simmering, just let it cool a bit first.
  • I freeze this in 1-cup portions so it's easy to thaw just what I need.
  • If you’re using it for pizza, simmer it 10–15 minutes longer to thicken.
  • Some canned tomatoes can be acidic; I taste at the end and occasionally add a pinch of sugar or drizzle of honey to balance it out.

Nutrition

Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 460mg | Potassium: 302mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 196IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg

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