Few recipes embody the heart of Italian cuisine quite like a rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce. Bursting with flavor, texture, and heritage, this Italian Tomato Sauce brings together simple ingredients—ripe tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil—to create a dish that defines comfort and culinary tradition.
📜 History & Cultural Significance
Tomato sauce has deep roots in Italian cooking, tracing back to the 16th century when tomatoes were first brought to Europe from the Americas. Initially met with skepticism, tomatoes became a cornerstone of Italian cuisine by the 18th century. Over generations, families developed their own unique versions—some sweet, some spicy, some cooked for hours to coax out the perfect balance of acidity and richness.
In Italy, “sugo” or sauce isn’t just a condiment—it’s an expression of culture and family. Sundays were (and still are) spent around the stove, with sauce simmering for hours as generations share stories, laughter, and love. This recipe honors that tradition while simplifying it for the modern home cook, without compromising its authenticity.
🥗 Health Benefits
At Roots Food Group, we believe food should be both delicious and nourishing. This Italian Tomato Sauce delivers both:
- Rich in Antioxidants – Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, which supports heart and skin health.
- Healthy Fats – Olive oil boosts nutrient absorption and heart function.
- Immune-Boosting Garlic – Naturally antibacterial and full of flavor.
- Fresh Herbs and Vegetables – Carrots, onions, and basil add vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Low in Sugar and Preservatives – A clean, natural recipe that lets real ingredients shine.
🍴 Recipe: Italian Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 (28 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for finishing
- 4 Tbsp. butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced (about 3 Tbsp.)
- 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1 Tbsp. dried oregano
- 1 medium carrot, cut into large chunks
- 1 medium onion, split in half
- 1 large stem fresh basil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp. fish sauce, such as Red Boat (optional)
- ½ cup minced fresh parsley or basil leaves (or a mix of the two)
Directions
Step 1: Adjust oven rack to lower position and preheat oven to 300° F. Place tomatoes in a large bowl. Using your hands, crush the tomatoes by squeezing them in your fingers until pieces no larger than ½-inch remain. Transfer 3 cups of crushed tomatoes to a sealed container and reserve in the refrigerator until step 4.
Step 2: Heat olive oil and butter over medium heat in a large Dutch oven until butter is melted. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until softened and fragrant but not browned, about 2 minutes. Add pepper flakes and oregano and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes, carrot, onion, and basil, and stir to combine. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer over high heat.
Step 3: Cover Dutch oven with lid slightly ajar and transfer to oven. Cook, stirring once every 1–2 hours, until reduced by about half and darkened to a deep red, 5–6 hours (reduce oven temperature if the sauce is bubbling too rapidly or the browned bits begin to turn too dark).
Step 4: Remove from oven. Using tongs, discard onion halves, carrots, and basil stems. Add reserved tomatoes to sauce and stir to combine. Add fish sauce, if using. Season generously with salt and pepper and stir in minced herbs along with additional olive oil as desired. Serve immediately, or allow to cool at room temperature, transfer to airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
💡 Final Thoughts
This Italian Tomato Sauce is more than a recipe—it’s a connection to history, family, and the simple joy of cooking from scratch. Whether ladled over pasta, layered in lasagna, or served with roasted vegetables, its rich aroma and deep flavor will make any meal feel like a Sunday dinner in Italy.
👉 Find more authentic, nourishing recipes and medically tailored meals at rootsfoodgroup.com.
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