San Marzano Tomato Sauce

Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and flavorful San Marzano Tomato Sauce, crafted from the finest San Marzano tomatoes. This recipe combines the aromatic essence of sautéed garlic and fresh herbs, simmered slowly to develop deep, authentic flavors.

Perfect for drizzling over your favorite pasta, using in lasagna, or simply enjoying with crusty bread, this sauce is a staple in Italian cooking that will impress family and friends alike. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a deliciously versatile sauce that’s sure to become a kitchen favorite!

San Marzano Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

8 garlic cloves, minced

3-4 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

4-5 28oz cans San Marzano Peeled Tomatoes (with juices)

2-3 Tablespoon amore sun-dried tomato paste (or use regular tomato paste)

1/2 teaspoons (each) salt & black pepper

3 Tablespoons fresh basil (for dried basil – 1 Tbsp)

2 teaspoons fresh oregano (for dried oregano – 1 tsp)

Instructions

Cook garlic: In a large stainless steel pot on LOW-MEDIUM heat sauté garlic in olive oil for 30-60 seconds. Stir constantly to keep garlic from burning.

Add tomatoes and simmer: pour canned tomatoes with juices in with the garlic. Add tomato paste, salt, and black pepper. Mix ingredients together, partially cover with lid – but not completely, and simmer on LOW heat for 3+ hours. Stir every so often to avoid burning. Note: if using a parmesan rind, add it in this step and let it simmer with sauce until finished. Remove and discard rind when ready to serve.

For smooth sauce: when sauce is finished cooking, use a hand immersion-blender to puree. Note: If you prefer a chunkier/thicker sauce (like I do), you can skip this step as the San Marzanos naturally break down while cooking.

b when sauce is finished, mix in chopped fresh herbs. Season with additional salt & black pepper if needed and serve!

Notes:

Garlic Cooking: Sauté garlic on low-medium heat to avoid burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the sauce.

Tomato Quality: San Marzano tomatoes are known for their sweetness and low acidity. Using high-quality tomatoes is key for a rich flavor.

Simmering Time: Allowing the sauce to simmer for 3+ hours helps develop depth of flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Tomato Paste: Sun-dried tomato paste enhances the richness; regular tomato paste can be used if unavailable.

Texture Preference: For a smoother sauce, blend after cooking. For chunkier sauce lovers, the natural breakdown of San Marzano tomatoes during cooking is perfect.

Herb Substitution: Fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor. If using dried, adjust quantities accordingly (1 Tbsp dried basil and 1 tsp dried oregano).

Parmesan Rind: Adding a parmesan rind during simmering imparts an extra layer of flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.

Serving Suggestions: This sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, lasagna, or as a base for pizza.

Storage: The sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage, making it a great make-ahead option.

Adjusting Seasoning: Taste the sauce at the end of cooking to adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of San Marzano?

Yes, you can use regular canned tomatoes, but San Marzano tomatoes have a unique sweetness and lower acidity that enhances the sauce.

How long does the sauce need to simmer?

The sauce should simmer for at least 3 hours on low heat to develop rich flavors.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried herbs; use 1 tablespoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano in place of the fresh herbs.

What should I do if the sauce is too thick?

If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little water or more olive oil to reach your desired consistency.

Can I freeze this sauce?

Absolutely! This sauce freezes well. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Is there a way to make this sauce spicier?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes to taste during the simmering process for some heat.

How can I make this sauce smoother?

For a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender to puree it after cooking.

Can I add meat to this sauce?

Yes, you can add ground beef, sausage, or any other cooked meat of your choice for a heartier sauce.

How do I store leftover sauce?

Store leftover sauce in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.

What dishes can I use this sauce with?

This sauce is versatile and can be used with pasta, on pizzas, in casseroles, or as a dipping sauce.