Authentic San Marzano Tomato Sauce: The Heart of Your Kitchen

 

Discover the foundational sauce that will become a legacy in your kitchen. This authentic San Marzano tomato sauce is crafted from just a handful of pure, high-quality pantry staples, proving that true culinary luxury lies in simplicity. Made with legendary, sun-kissed San Marzano tomatoes, this sauce transforms any meal—from a festive holiday feast to a simple weeknight pasta—into a deeply satisfying celebration of flavor.

Why This Tomato is an Icon

Grown in the rich volcanic soil at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, heirloom San Marzano tomatoes are the gold standard for authentic Italian cooking. Their naturally sweet flavor, low acidity, and dense flesh with fewer seeds create a velvety, unmistakably rich sauce. They are a premium ingredient that requires little more than good olive oil and fresh garlic to create a culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (28 oz each) of certified San Marzano tomatoes (whole or crushed)

• 3 tablespoons of high-quality extra virgin olive oil

• 4 cloves of fresh garlic, finely minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon of dried basil

• ½ teaspoon of sugar (optional, to enhance natural sweetness)

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup of fresh basil leaves, torn (for finishing)

• A block of authentic Parmesan cheese, for grating

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

2. Build the Flavor: Stir in the dried oregano and basil, and cook for another 30 seconds to release their aroma.

3. Simmer the Sauce: Add the San Marzano tomatoes to the pot, using a wooden spoon to crush the whole tomatoes against the side of the pot. Season with sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer, more developed flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.

5. Finish with Freshness: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the fresh basil.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot over your favorite pasta, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

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