San Marzano Tomato Sauce
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 45 minutes
-
Total Time: 55 minutes
-
Difficulty: Easy
-
Yields: ~3 cups of sauce (serves 4–6)
Ingredients
-
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
-
2 cloves garlic, minced (or whole and removed later, for a milder taste)
-
1 can (28 oz / 800g) whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
-
½ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
-
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
-
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, only if needed)
-
6–8 fresh basil leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried basil)
-
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
-
Optional: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for richness
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes
-
Pour the San Marzano tomatoes into a bowl.
-
Using your clean hands or a fork, crush them gently into a chunky purée. Remove any tough stems or skins if present.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
-
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
-
Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30–45 seconds). Do not brown—it should stay pale to avoid bitterness.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
-
Add the crushed tomatoes with juices to the pan. Stir well.
-
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
-
Simmer uncovered on low heat for 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will reduce slightly and thicken as the flavors concentrate.
Step 4: Add Basil and (Optional) Butter
-
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in fresh basil leaves torn by hand.
-
For a silkier texture and depth of flavor, swirl in butter just before turning off the heat.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
-
Taste the sauce. If it’s a bit too tangy, add a small pinch of sugar. If too thick, thin with a splash of water or reserved pasta water.
🍝 How to Use San Marzano Tomato Sauce
This sauce is incredibly versatile:
-
Tossed with spaghetti or rigatoni
-
As the base for Neapolitan pizza
-
Layered into lasagna or baked ziti
-
Served with meatballs
-
Spoon over grilled chicken or eggplant
Storage Instructions
-
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
-
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
-
Reheat: Warm gently over low heat, adding water if it’s too thick.
Nutritional Information (Per ½ Cup Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Total Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
Note: Nutrition may vary slightly depending on added ingredients like butter or sugar.
