Don Mario sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce, but with a few special tweaks that make it stand out. The base of the sauce is made up of fresh, ripe tomatoes, which are cooked down with garlic, onion, and olive oil. This creates a rich, intense flavor that is the perfect complement to so many dishes. But what really sets Don Mario sauce apart is the addition of a few surprise ingredients.
The first of these is carrots. This might seem like an unusual addition to a tomato sauce, but it works surprisingly well. The carrots add a subtle sweetness to the sauce, helping to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. They also provide a boost of nutrients, making the sauce a little bit healthier. To incorporate the carrots into the sauce, simply grate them finely and add them to the pot when cooking the onions and garlic.
Another surprising addition to Don Mario sauce is a splash of red wine. The wine adds a depth of flavor to the sauce, without overpowering it. It’s important to use a good quality wine for this, as it will make a big difference in the final result. You don’t need to use a lot; just a few tablespoons will do the trick.
Finally, Sophia Loren adds a bit of heat to the sauce with a pinch of red pepper flakes. This is entirely optional, of course, but it adds a nice kick that can elevate a simple pasta dish into something really special.
To make Don Mario sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes, chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and grated
– 3 tablespoons of olive oil
– 2 tablespoons of red wine
– a pinch of red pepper flakes
– salt and pepper, to taste
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and cook until they are softened and translucent. Add the grated carrots and continue to cook for a few more minutes, until everything is lightly browned.
Next, add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, along with the red wine and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
When the sauce is thick and rich, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Then, use an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
Don Mario sauce is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for pasta dishes, and can also be used as a base for pizza, or as a dip for bread. It’s also a great way to use up ripe tomatoes when they are in season. And with the addition of carrots, red wine, and red pepper flakes, it’s a sauce that is sure to impress your family and friends. So, try out Sophia Loren’s Don Mario sauce recipe and enjoy a taste of Italy in your own home.