The sugo di pomodoro, is a simple, authentic Italian tomato sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil and basil. Ideal for busy weeknights as well as simple entertaining. And since a pot of this wonderful sauce is only around $5, it’s budget-friendly too.
A red sauce that comes together with ease and makes you grateful to exist is something we all need. That’s it. Simple enough for weekdays. Impressive enough for entertainment.–David Leite
Why our testers loved this
“Simple, quick and delicious.” “Elegant in its simplicity.“It’s not a Sunday sauce, but it’s damn good.” “I’m archiving this recipe to make it again… over and over again.” Here’s what people are saying about this sugo recipe.
Notes on ingredients
- Whole peeled tomatoes–The taste of your Sugo di Pomodoro depends on the quality of the tomatoes used. If you can find San Marzano tomatoes, we recommend using them.
- Red pepper flakes– These are optional but add a wonderful spiciness to the sauce.
- Fresh basil–We recommend using fresh basil for the best flavor in your sauce. However, in a pinch, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of dried basil.
How to make this recipe
- Sauté the onion in oil until soft. Add the garlic and cook until it starts to brown. Stir in pepper flakes, if using.
- Add the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer until slightly reduced.
- Stir in the basil leaves.
Frequently asked questions about recipes
How do I serve my sugo?
For an easy, inexpensive meal, simply mix your tomato sauce with pasta or gnocchi and top with Parmesan cheese. Add some beef balls for a heartier meal. You can also use this sauce to make Eggplant Parmesan.
My tomato sauce tastes too sour. How can I fix it?
Sprinkle in a pinch of baking soda to help neutralize the acidity. Alternatively, a pinch of sugar will also help balance the flavor.
Helpful tips
- If your finished sauce is too runny, allow it to simmer uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until reduced to your desired consistency.
- The recipe makes enough sauce to cover up to 1 pound of pasta.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- This recipe is suitable for a gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan diet.
More great tomato sauce recipes
☞ If you prepare this recipe or any other dish on LC, consider leaving a reviewA Rating in starsand your best photo in the comments below. I love hearing from you.–David
Sugo di Pomodoro ~ Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce
This red sauce, or sugo di pomodoro, is a simple, classic Italian tomato sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, and basil. Ideal for busy weeknights as well as simple entertaining.
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If you prefer a smooth red sauce, Place the tomatoes and their juice in a food processor or insert an immersion blender into the opened can and puree the tomatoes until smooth. If you prefer a red sauce with a chunky consistency, Don’t do anything with the tomatoes yet. Instead, wait and smash the tomatoes in the pan with a wooden spoon.
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In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add the onion and cook until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until just beginning to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. If you prefer your red sauce with a little kick, add the red pepper flakes.
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Add the tomatoes and season with salt and black pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is slightly reduced, about 30 minutes. (If you haven’t pureed the tomatoes, use a wooden spoon to break them into chunks as they cook.)
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If the sauce is still a little runnier than you prefer, uncover and simmer until reduced to your desired consistency.
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Stir in the basil and remove the pan from the heat. You have enough red sauce to mix with a pound of pasta.
- Fix Sour Sauce–If your tomato sauce tastes too sour, sprinkle in a pinch of baking soda.
- Storage and Freezing–Leftover sauce can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Nourishment-This recipe is suitable for a gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan diet.
Portion: 1portionCalories: 87kcal (4%)Carbohydrates: 6G (2%)Protein: 1G (2%)Fat: 7G (11%)Saturated Fatty Acids: 1G (6%)Polyunsaturated fat: 1GMonounsaturated fatty acids: 5GSodium: 148mg (6%)Potassium: 219mg (6%)Fiber: 1G (4%)Sugar: 3G (3%)Vitamin A: 173ie (3%)Vitamin C: 11mg (13%)Calcium: 40mg (4%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
If you make this recipe, take a picture and tag it with a hashtag #LeitesCulinaria. We would love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook and others Twitter.
Recipe tester reviews
If you make this recipe, take a picture and tag it with a hashtag #LeitesCulinaria. We would love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook and others Twitter.