Plain Tomato Sauce(Salsa Di Pomodoro Semplice)
A simple, flavorful tomato sauce with garlic, basil, and herbs, perfect for pasta dishes, baked macaroni, lasagne, and as a versatile base for various recipes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine tomato puree and water in a saucepan.
- Add garlic cloves, parsley sprigs, salt, olive oil, basil leaves or dried basil, red crushed pepper, oregano, and black pepper.
- Simmer the mixture to develop flavors.
- Use as a sauce for baked macaroni, lasagne, zucchini parmesans, or as a starting base for other recipes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the garlic in olive oil before adding the tomato puree. You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley if needed, using one-third of the amount. Adjust the crushed red pepper to control the heat level according to your taste. This sauce is versatile and can work as a Spaghetti Sauce Starter or a base for Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This plain tomato sauce is perfect as a topping for baked macaroni, lasagne, or zucchini parmesans. Pair it with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It also serves well as a base for Quick And Easy Pizza Crust, allowing you to customize your pizza with your favorite toppings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can also freeze the sauce in portions for up to three months, making it easy to have homemade sauce ready whenever you need it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Plain Tomato Sauce(Salsa Di Pomodoro Semplice) contains roughly 755 calories, with 23g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (209% of the Daily Value), and calcium (144% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 763mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato puree?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes to make this sauce. You'll need to peel, seed, and chop about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes to replace the can of tomato puree. Cook them down until they break apart and create a sauce, adjusting the water and seasonings as needed.
How can I make this sauce vegan?
This recipe is already vegan! All the ingredients are plant-based, making it a perfect choice for a vegan diet. Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables or vegan proteins to enhance the sauce further.
What can I do if the sauce is too acidic?
If the sauce is too acidic, you can add a pinch of sugar or a small amount of grated carrot to balance the acidity. Stir well and let it simmer a bit longer to incorporate the sweetness, tasting as you go to achieve your desired flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).