San Francisco'S Little Joe'S Tomato Sauce
A rich, flavorful tomato sauce with aromatic herbs, perfect for pasta lovers seeking a hearty, versatile dish that can be customized with meats or kept vegetarian.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, celery, onions, oregano, rosemary, bay leaves, basil, garlic, black pepper, salt, and olive oil in a large pot.
- Bring all ingredients to a boil and simmer uncovered for 2 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken the sauce by adding the dissolved cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Serve over pasta of your choice.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Optionally, add meat or sausage to the sauce before serving.
- The sauce can be bottled and frozen for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider roasting the garlic before adding it to the sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes; just peel and crush them for the same quantity. Adding a splash of red wine can enhance the sauce's richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty tomato sauce over your favorite pasta, and top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an authentic touch. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal. For a protein boost, consider adding cooked meatballs or sausage to the sauce before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Cool the sauce completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water if it has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of San Francisco'S Little Joe'S Tomato Sauce contains roughly 797 calories, with 26g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (215% of the Daily Value), iron (173% of the Daily Value), and calcium (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 468mg per serving (20% 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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper into the sauce while it simmers. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. This will give a nice kick without overpowering the dish.
What types of pasta work best with this sauce?
This tomato sauce is versatile and pairs well with various pasta types. Long strands like spaghetti or fettuccine are classic choices, but you can also use short pasta like penne or rigatoni to capture the sauce in every bite. Choose your favorite based on personal preference!
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).