Not only is the sauce delicious, but it also brings back the fondest memories of my childhood. Whenever I think of my grandma‘s original tomato sauce, I am immediately transported back to her kitchen, watching her carefully stir the pot and adding her secret ingredients.
So, what makes my grandma’s tomato sauce recipe so special? Well, there are a few key components that make it stand out from other recipes I’ve tried.
First, my grandma always used fresh tomatoes from her garden. She would select the ripest, juiciest tomatoes and peel them before using them in the sauce. This process can be a little time-consuming, but the end result is worth it. Using fresh tomatoes gives the sauce a rich, authentic flavor that canned tomatoes simply can’t replicate.
Second, my grandma’s recipe includes a blend of herbs and spices that adds depth to the flavor. She used a combination of oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaves to create a perfectly balanced taste. The spices are not overpowering, but rather complement the sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a unique and delicious sauce.
Lastly, my grandma’s tomato sauce recipe included a secret ingredient – red wine. She would pour a splash of red wine into the sauce, which gave it a subtle, earthy flavor. This addition helps to cut through the sweetness of the tomatoes, making the sauce perfect for pasta dishes or as a base for pizza.
Now, I’m going to share my grandma’s original tomato sauce recipe with you so that you too can enjoy this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
– 10-12 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1-2 bay leaves
– 1/4 cup red wine
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes, oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the red wine and simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
5. Remove the bay leaves and let the sauce cool slightly.
6. Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until it reaches a smooth consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth.
7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too acidic, add a tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
This recipe makes enough sauce for about 4-6 servings of pasta. You can also use it as a pizza sauce or as a base for other tomato-based dishes.
In conclusion, tomato sauce is a simple but versatile dish that can be made in many different ways. However, my grandma’s original tomato sauce recipe is one of my favorites, not only because it’s delicious, but also because it brings back fond memories of my childhood. Give it a try and see for yourself what makes this recipe so special!