Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy: Authentic Italian Pomodoro Sauce
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Authentic Italian Pomod
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 120 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Right, let's get cracking on this Pomodoro sauce, shall we? Ever had that craving for a proper Italian Dinner but cba to spend hours in the kitchen? Then you've come to the right place, my friend!
Say Hello to Sunshine in a Pot: The Pomodoro Sauce Revelation
This recipe is all about the pomodoro sauce . it’s gonna be quick, easy, and taste like a hug from your nonna.
You know? that classic tomato sauce goodness. honestly, once you try this, you'll ditch the jarred stuff for good.
Quick Hook: From Italy with Love (and Tomatoes!)
Fancy making a tomato sauce recipe that's so good, it'll transport you straight to a sun-drenched italian villa? my easy pomodoro sauce recipe does just that.
It's bursting with fresh, bright flavors, and it will make all your italian pasta dishes taste like they came straight from italy.
A Taste of Italy
Pomodoro simply means "tomato" in italian. the sauce has simple ingredients and is an italian pasta staple. it's an ancient recipe that shows how amazing simple ingredients can be when prepared well.
This recipe is dead easy. it only takes 40 minutes from start to finish. the recipe will give you about 6 servings.
That's perfect for a family pasta dinner recipes .
Why This Pomodoro Rocks
Forget complicated sauces; this one’s a winner because it's both delicious and good for you. tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, so you're basically getting a health boost with every mouthful.
This sauce is perfect for a cosy night in with a plate of pasta or a weekend gathering with friends.
What makes it special is the fresh basil. it's a game changer, trust me. it is a great sauce even without comparing it to alfredo sauce .
This recipe is as good as a homemade pasta if you put your heart on it.
Now, let's talk ingredients. You'll need olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick, crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, fresh basil, and Parmesan (optional, but highly recommended!).
Alright, let's chat about what you need to make the best pomodoro sauce ever. it's easier than you think, promise! this tomato sauce recipe is perfect for those weeknight pasta dinner recipes .
Think of it as your go-to italian dinner solution.
Ingredients: Simple is Key
Here's the lowdown on what you’ll need. Seriously, don’t overthink it.
Main Players
- Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Get the good stuff! It makes a difference.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced (about 1 tablespoon). Fresh is always better.
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or more, if you like it spicy!).
- Crushed tomatoes: Two 28-ounce cans (or 1.75 kg of fresh, ripe tomatoes, blanched and crushed). My Nonna always said San Marzano tomatoes are the bee's knees, but use what you can find.
- Granulated sugar: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Just a pinch to balance the acidity.
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml).
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml).
- Fresh basil leaves: 1/2 cup , roughly chopped (about 120 ml). Don't skimp on the basil!
- Parmesan cheese: For serving (optional, but highly recommended).
Seasoning Sensations
- Essential Combo: Garlic + red pepper flakes. The foundation for a killer pomodoro sauce .
- Flavor Boosters: A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Oregano adds that classic Italian dishes flavour.
- Spice rack SOS: No fresh basil? A teaspoon of dried basil will do in a pinch. Just not quite as amazing.
Equipment Lowdown
- Large pot or Dutch oven: This is your pasta sauce HQ.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring.
- Measuring spoons and cups: Gotta be precise.
- Colander: When using fresh tomatoes.
Honestly? It's all stuff you probably already have.
This homemade pasta sauce will be your new favorite. forget jarred stuff. once you try this, you'll never look back.
Seriously, you can even pair it with salad pasta for a simple and quick italian pasta meal. or try it on top of your favourite type of italian pasta dishes with your alfredo sauce leftovers to make it creamier!.
You're gonna love this pomodoro sauce recipe!
Alright, let's get stuck in! nan's italian dishes were legendary, you know? this pomodoro sauce recipe is nearly as good.
Honestly, it's so simple, anyone can make it. we're talking proper italian dinner vibes tonight!
Pomodoro Perfection: From Prep to Plate
Essential Mise en Place: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Right, before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get everything prepped. you want 30 ml of olive oil ready, the garlic minced (about 1 tablespoon), and 1.
25 ml of black pepper measured. it's all about being organised, innit? that means having 1.75 kg of crushed tomatoes ready to go too.
And 120 ml of basil.
Step-by-Step Pomodoro Power!
Ready to cook? I swear you'll love this Tomato Sauce Recipe !
Heat 30 ml olive oil in a big pot over medium heat.
Chuck in the garlic and a 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute , until it smells amazing. Don't burn the garlic!
Stir in 1.75 kg crushed tomatoes, 5 ml of sugar, 5 ml of oregano, 2.5 ml of salt, and 1.25 ml of pepper.
Bring it to a simmer, then turn the heat right down.
Cover it and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes , stirring now and then. You want it to thicken up nicely.
Stir in 120 ml of fresh basil just before serving.
Serve this Italian Pasta over your favourite Pasta Dinner Recipes , and maybe chuck on some Parmesan if you fancy.
Pro Tips for Pomodoro Pros
Want to take your pomodoro sauce up a notch? Of course, you do! Here's a couple of tricks I've learned over the years.
- Don't skimp on the tomatoes! Seriously, good quality tomatoes make all the difference.
- Taste as you go! Adding a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, trust me!
- A dash of white wine : Just add a splash of wine just before adding the tomatoes to add a richer flavour.
This pomodoro sauce is great with salad pasta or any italian pasta dishes . if you want some change, try homemade pasta one day with it.
You could even add a dollop of cream for a alfredo sauce kind of vibe, but honestly, it's perfect just as it is.
Enjoy, mate!
Right then, let's talk about nailing this pomodoro sauce ! i reckon some extra notes are always helpful. it's like a little nudge in the right direction, innit? here are some things to keep in mind when whipping up this glorious tomato sauce recipe .
Recipe Notes: Your Pomodoro Cheat Sheet
These are all my lil' nuggets of wisdom I use when creating all those Italian Pasta Dishes .
Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation Ideas
Honestly, this italian pasta sauce is proper versatile! you can't go wrong serving it over salad pasta , can you? it's amazing! a dollop of fresh ricotta? oh my gosh, yes! fresh basil leaves scattered on top are pretty, too.
As for drinks, a cheeky glass of red or even a sparkling water with lemon works a treat.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? no worries! refrigeration guidelines are simple: pop it in an airtight container and it will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
For freezing options , let it cool completely before freezing in freezer safe bags or containers. it'll last for up to 3 months.
When you need it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. reheating instructions ? just heat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Variations: Making it Your Own
Want to mix things up a bit? for a dietary adaptation , chuck in some roasted veggies like courgette and aubergine for a veggie boost.
For seasonal vibes, in autumn, add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for a cosy, warming flavour. if alfredo sauce is your thing, you could always add a splash of cream at the end! you know?
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Right, so nutrition information is always a bit of a guesstimate, but roughly, a serving clocks in around 120 calories.
Packed with vitamin c from the tomatoes, and the olive oil gives you some healthy fats. plus, it's a good source of fibre! that's gotta be one of the key health benefits of this pomodoro sauce .
This pomodoro sauce is a fab italian dinner , or great with some homemade pasta ! you've got this, honestly! it's one of those italian dishes that's genuinely easier than you think.
Don't be scared to give it a go! it's miles better than anything you'll get in a jar. i promise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Pomodoro sauce, anyway? Is it just ketchup's posh cousin?
Not quite! Pomodoro sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce, celebrated for its fresh, bright flavour. Think of it as the foundation of many Italian dishes, made with simple ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. While ketchup is fine for your chips, Pomodoro is the real deal for pasta!
Can I make Pomodoro sauce ahead of time, or am I stuck slaving over the stove right before dinner?
Absolutely! Pomodoro sauce is fantastic for making ahead. In fact, the flavour often improves as it sits. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for longer storage. Just be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
Like a fine wine, it gets better with time. It’s also useful as a base for more complex sauces.
My Pomodoro sauce always tastes a bit... bland. What am I doing wrong?
The key to a flavourful Pomodoro sauce is patience and quality ingredients. Don't skimp on the olive oil or garlic, and be sure to season generously with salt and pepper. Most importantly, let it simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
Taste and adjust the seasoning at the end, and don't be afraid to add a pinch more salt or a dash of red pepper flakes to give it a kick. Consider high quality tomatoes, like San Marzano.
Is there any way to spice up my Pomodoro sauce? I'm feeling a bit like Gordon Ramsay today.
Oh, absolutely! Channel your inner chef! A dash of red pepper flakes adds a lovely warmth, or you could try a pinch of dried chilli. For a richer flavour, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of tomato paste during the simmering process.
Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano or thyme alongside the basil. You can also add cooked bacon or sausage.
Can I use this Pomodoro sauce for anything other than pasta?
Definitely! Pomodoro sauce is super versatile. Use it as a base for pizza, as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks, or as a component in lasagna. It's also great with chicken parmesan, vegetable bakes, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. The possibilities are as endless as your culinary creativity!
It can be a great base for any other meat dishes you would like to make.
What are some healthy considerations when making Pomodoro sauce? Is my waistline doomed?
Pomodoro sauce is naturally quite healthy! It's low in fat and high in antioxidants from the tomatoes. To keep it even healthier, use extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in good fats. Be mindful of the added sugar and salt, and adjust to your taste.
Load it up with veggies and serve with whole wheat pasta for a complete and nutritious meal!
