Pomodoro Sauce
Pomodoro sauce is one of the pillars of Italian cuisine, known for its simplicity and robust flavor. Originating from the Campania region in southern Italy, this sauce stands out for the purity of its ingredients and the careful preparation technique. Made with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and basil, Pomodoro sauce is the perfect choice to accompany a variety of dishes, from pasta to pizza.
Here, you will learn how to prepare Pomodoro sauce in a traditional way and discover variations and tips that will make your sauce even more delicious.
Pomodoro Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 kg of ripe tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 small whole carrot (optional, to reduce acidity)
Preparation Method:
- Prepare the tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes and make a cross-shaped cut at the bottom of each one. Place them in a pot of boiling water for about 30 seconds, or until the skin begins to loosen. Remove the tomatoes from the water, plunge them into cold water to stop the cooking, and then peel them.
- Cut the tomatoes: Cut the peeled tomatoes into small pieces, removing the seeds if you prefer a smoother sauce.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. If using, add the whole carrot at this point. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to break down, about 15-20 minutes.
- Adjust the flavor: Add sugar if needed to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the carrot was added, remove it before serving.
- Finish the sauce: Cook the sauce for another 10-15 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired consistency. Add the fresh basil leaves in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve: The Pomodoro sauce is ready to be served with the pasta of your choice or used in other recipes.
- Calories: Approximately 90 calories per serving.
- Preparation Time: About 45 minutes.
- Serves: Up to 4 people.
Golden Tips
- Choose the right tomatoes: For a perfect Pomodoro sauce, use San Marzano or Roma tomatoes, which have fewer seeds and more pulp.
- Blanching the tomatoes: Plunging the tomatoes in boiling water and then cold water makes peeling easier.
- Cooking time: Cook the tomatoes slowly to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Sugar in the sauce: Adding a pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Using a carrot: Cooking a whole carrot in the sauce helps reduce acidity without adding sugar.
- Sauce texture: Use an immersion blender for a smoother texture if you prefer a chunk-free sauce.
- Fresh basil: Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its flavor and aroma.
- Variations: Try adding other vegetables like red bell pepper or mushrooms for a tasty variation of Pomodoro sauce.
Recipe Variations
Although the classic Pomodoro sauce is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize the recipe to create new flavors:
- Pomodoro Sauce with meat: Add ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier sauce.
- Pomodoro with vegetables: Incorporate vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a more nutritious sauce.
- Spicy sauce: Add red pepper flakes to give your Pomodoro sauce a spicy kick.
- Creamy Pomodoro: Add a bit of cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier version.
- Fresh herbs: Besides basil, try adding other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for flavor variations.
- Pomodoro sauce with wine: Add a splash of red wine during cooking to enrich the sauce’s flavor.
- Roasted tomato sauce: Roast the tomatoes in the oven before making the sauce for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
- Pomodoro with leeks: Replace the onion with leeks for a milder, more delicate sauce.
What’s the difference between Pomodoro and Sugo sauce?
Pomodoro Sauce: Pomodoro sauce is a classic Italian sauce made with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and basil. It is known for its thicker texture and robust flavor. The preparation involves slowly cooking the tomatoes until they break down, resulting in a thick, flavorful sauce. The use of fresh tomatoes is an important feature of Pomodoro sauce, giving it a fresher, more authentic taste.
Sugo Sauce: Sugo sauce, on the other hand, is usually made with canned peeled tomatoes or tomato passata. It’s a simpler sauce, with a smoother, often less thick texture than Pomodoro sauce. Sugo sauce is often used as a base for other sauces or dishes, allowing the addition of various ingredients like meat, vegetables, and herbs. Its preparation is quicker and less elaborate compared to Pomodoro sauce.
What does Pomodoro mean in cooking?
In cooking, “Pomodoro” means “tomato” in Italian. It refers to dishes and sauces made primarily with tomatoes. The term is often associated with Pomodoro sauce, which is a fresh, simple, and flavorful tomato sauce used in various Italian recipes. The name emphasizes the use of fresh tomatoes and the simplicity of the ingredients, highlighting the natural flavor of the tomato without many additives or complex seasonings.
What is a Pomodoro tomato?
The term “Pomodoro tomato” does not refer to a specific variety of tomato but rather to the use of fresh tomatoes in the preparation of Italian dishes, especially sauces. In the context of Pomodoro sauce, the most commonly used tomatoes are San Marzano or Roma, known for their firm flesh, fewer seeds, and sweet flavor, making them ideal for cooking. These tomatoes are valued for their ability to break down easily while cooking, creating a thick and flavorful sauce.
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I hope you enjoyed this Pomodoro sauce recipe.
With love,
Nate