Pomodoro Sauce

Pomodoro sauce can be called the heart of Italian cuisine. The sauce is very mild and simple, yet delicious.  The texture is also light and smooth, which makes it perfect for Italian pasta.

Unlike other complex sauces, traditional pomodoro sauce is easy to prepare. We generally use fresh and seasonal ingredients to make the homemade pomodoro sauce, focusing on the purity of the sauce.

Whether you are an expert in cooking who is looking for an authentic pomodoro sauce recipe or starting your culinary journey, you can read this article to learn a rewarding recipe. We have tried to give an overall guideline to prepare the Italian pomodoro sauce. Therefore, we recommend reading the whole article carefully.

What is Pomodoro Sauce?

Pomodoro is an Italian word that literally means tomato. Therefore, pomodoro sauce is a tomato-based classic Italian sauce famous for its simple and fresh flavors. The texture of this simple red sauce is very light, and you can prepare this quickly with minimal ingredients.

If you love simple, light, and natural sauce, you should definitely try pomodoro sauce once in your lifetime. This article is on how you can make authentic pomodoro sauce for spaghetti. So, continue reading to learn the recipe.

How to Make Authentic Pomodoro Sauce: The Easiest Recipe

We have already mentioned that preparing this tomato pasta sauce is so easy. Here, we will mention all the secret ingredients with a 5-step process to prepare the perfect vegan pomodoro sauce recipe.

Pomodoro Sauce Ingredients

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons 
2. Finely Chopped Onion – 1 small yellow onion
3. Minced Garlic – 2 cloves 
4. Fresh Roma Tomatoes – 1.5 lbs. (or 1 can of whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes)
5. Salt – 1 teaspoon (Use according to taste)
6. Fresh basil leaves – 1 sprig
7. Pinch of Sugar (Optional; if tomatoes are too acidic)

5-Step Making Process of Italian Tomato Blend

We have divided the whole process into 5 easy steps. Let us explain each of the steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

The process starts with preparing the tomatoes, which are the main ingredient of this simple tomato paste sauce.

• The first thing you need to ensure is that you are using the best tomatoes for pomodoro sauce. Professionals suggest using the Roma tomatoes.
• Then, balance the selected tomatoes in boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds and immediately pour them into cold water. 
• Tomatoes will become soft. Now, remove the peel of the tomatoes.
• Now, crush them using a spoon or a food mill.
• The tomato paste is ready.

Note: In the case of canned tomatoes, we suggest whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes. Then, you can skip the hassle of preparing the tomatoes for the pomodoro sauce.   

Step 2: Saute the Onion and Garlic

After preparing the tomatoes, it’s time to sauté the aromatics.

• Place a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Heat olive oil.
• Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onion becomes soft.
• Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
• Don’t forget to stir continuously throughout the sautéing process. 

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Seasoning Ingredients

 The sauteing of the onion and garlic is completed.

• Now, add the prepared tomato paste or San Marzano tomatoes into the saucepan and stir well.
• Season the sauce with salt.
• If you want to balance the flavor, professionals recommend using a pinch of sugar.
• Again, stir the mixture nicely. 

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

The Classic Italian tomato sauce is almost ready. Now, it’s time to thicken the sauce by simmering.

• Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes.
• Stir occasionally throughout this step.

Note: If you want a thinner consistency, you can reduce the simmering time.  

Step 5: Finish

After complete simmering, the sauce is ready to serve.

• Before serving, add fresh basil to the sauce and stir properly. Basil and tomato bring a shooting flavor to the sauce. 
• Then, serve the sauce with a bowl of pasta.

Note: You can blend the sauce before serving to get a smooth texture.

What Pasta Pairs Best with Pomodoro Sauce?

You can easily pair a variety of pasta with pomodoro sauce. Let us give you 3 ideal choices.

• Spaghetti: Long strands perfectly combine with light sauce.
• Fusilli: Twist and curve appearance helps to give more surface for the sauce.
• Gnocchi: Light potato dumplings go wonderfully with the pomodoro sauce.

Conclusion

People who are interested in Italian culinary philosophy cannot help but learn the pomodoro sauce recipe because it is a basic ingredient for Italian dishes. Before planning a full Italian feast, don’t forget to learn how to make the traditional pomodoro sauce at home. 

Besides, pomodoro sauce can be a savior for you in a quick weeknight dinner. If you prepare the sauce in advance, you can just pair it with a bowl of pasta to enjoy a great meal. We hope you can prepare the sauce if you read this article with concentration. Keep connected with us for more famous sauce recipes.

FAQs

What makes pomodoro sauce different from marinara?

Pomodoro sauce and marinara sauce are both tomato-based Italian cuisines. But, they have differences in seasoning ingredients, texture, and use. Let us give you a differentiation table.

Features	Pomodoro Sauce	Marinara Sauce
Texture	Smoother	Chunkier
Use	Pasta, soup, tossed with vegetables	Dipping sauce, toppings, and pizza base
Seasoning Ingredients	Salt and sugar	Oregano, red pepper flakes, wine

Can you freeze pomodoro sauce?

Yes, you can freeze pomodoro sauce.

• Let the sauce cool at room temperature.
• Transfer the sauce into freezer-safe bags or jars.
• Then, keep it in a freezer below -10°C
• That’s how you can store the sauce for up to 3 months.

How long does pomodoro sauce take to cook?

Pomodoro sauce may take a total of 35 to 40 minutes to cook.

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Sauteing onion and garlic: 10 minutes
• Simmering: 20 minutes 

Is pomodoro sauce spicy or mild?

The traditional Pomodoro sauce is mild. Professionals don’t use chilies or black pepper. The flavor is straightforward, mild, and clean. However, if you want a spicy flavor, you can add some chili flakes or chili powder to the sauce.