This San Marzano tomato sauce recipe is so simple, you will love it! You can easily make the best homemade red sauce at home in 30 minutes.
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You are going to love this simple pasta sauce!
It's so easy to put together. A few simple ingredients, 30 minutes in the kitchen and you have the best homemade pasta sauce.
It's freezer-friendly. You can make a few batches of this sauce, throw it in the freezer and have homemade red sauce whenever you please.
It goes with almost everything. A simple plate of pasta, homemade pizza, eggplant parmesan, and lasagna, it's the perfect wintertime staple!
Why are San Marzano tomatoes better for sauce?
San Marzano tomatoes are longer tomatoes known for their low acidity and strong tomato taste. They have thick walls, which makes for fewer seed pockets, and, as a result, fewer seeds. They are perfect for a rich, thick and fresh tasting tomato sauce.
The quick low-down on San Marzano Tomatoes.
If you're unfamiliar with San Marzano tomatoes, here are some quick details to help you!
What does DOP mean on San Marzano tomatoes?
DOP stands Denominazione d' Origine Protetta, which is basically Italian for a protected destination of origin. If your San Marzano tomatoes have this on the can, that means it's from the San Marzano region of Italy.
Where is the San Marzano region?
The region is the Agro Sarnese Nocerino of the Sarno River valley near Mount Vesuvius. The volcanic soils are known to produce less acidic tomatoes, which makes San Marzano perfect for tomato sauce.
Ingredients for San Marzano sauce
San Marzano Tomatoes. You can find San Marzano tomatoes in the Italian aisle of your grocery store! The cans will say San Marzano, and you can always look for that DOP stamp for true San Marzano tomatoes.
Garlic. Always, always, always use fresh garlic for homemade sauces!
Onions. I love using garlic and onions as the base for the sauce. Some recipes only call for garlic, but I like the combo!
Basil. Fresh basil is an absolute must. This sauce is all about fresh.
Olive Oil. You'll absolutely want to use olive oil to saute your onions and garlic in.
Salt. I start with only 1 tsp of salt, but be sure to add more depending on your personal preferences.
How to make San Marzano tomato sauce
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, saute your garlic and onions in olive oil over medium-low heat for 10 minutes.
- Add in your tomatoes and smash them with the back of your spoon.
- Bring that to a simmer and add in your basil.
- Then, using an immersion blender give your sauce a quick blend.
- Add salt to taste and enjoy!
Best way to store homemade pasta sauce
Fridge. Store the homemade pasta sauce in an airtight container. Once you're ready to eat it, pour it into a saucepan to reheat.
Freezer. Store the homemade pasta sauce in an airtight, freezer-friendly container. Once you're ready to eat it, pour it into a saucepan, cover, and defrost over medium-low heat stirring occasionally.
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What to make with homemade San Marzano Tomato Sauce
- Oven-Ready Lasagna
- Baked Cauliflower Gnocchi from Trader Joe's
- French Bread Pizza in the Air Fryer
- Homemade Date Night Pizza
San Marzano Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ onion
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 2 cans San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven, sautee your garlic and onions in the 2 tbsp of olive oil for about 15 minutes, until the garlic starts to brown.
- Add in your 2 cans of San Mazano tomatoes.
- Bring that to a simmer, and smash the tomatoes with your spoon (or hands if you want to go the super traditional route!)
- Add in your fresh basil and then blend using an immersion blender.
- Add in salt to taste.
- Enjoy!
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