San Marzano Tomato Sauce Recipe

For a delectable flavor and a smooth consistency, this San Marzano sauce recipe only requires five main ingredients. Where possible, I recommend using fresh herbs for the best flavor.

• Garlic - 5 - 7 garlic cloves - Minced - Garlic offers an aromatic and savory note which will also reduce the acidity.
• Extra-virgin olive oil - ¼ cup - Extra-virgin olive oil elevates the rich and fruity taste of the tomatoes.
• San Marzano Whole Tomatoes - 28 ounces - You can easily find top-quality, certified whole canned tomatoes in the pasta section of grocery stores or on Amazon.
• Tomato Paste - 2 tablespoons - You can use your preferred types of tomato paste. I recommend Cento, the same brand as the canned tomatoes, for this recipe.
• Fresh Basil - 3 tablespoons - finely chopped - is the perfect herb for this sauce. The simple flavor complements the sauce.

Optional Ingredients

I normally add all three ingredients to my tomato sauce. However, these are not required for a great-tasting sauce.

• Red Pepper Flakes - ¼ teaspoon (optional) - if you prefer a spicy sauce or a dish that requires heat, add red chili flakes.
• Red Wine - 1 - 2 tablespoons (optional) - I love adding a little red wine to get a more decadent sauce. It enhances the flavor.
• Sugar - 1 pinch (optional) - Although adding sugar is optional, I find it necessary to decrease the acidity to ensure a balanced flavor.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh Basil - Sprinkle the top for a green splash of color and flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese - Use a small amount of cheese as garnish.
• Red Pepper Flakes - For a spicier sauce, sprinkle a little red pepper on top.

What are San Marzano tomatoes?

Originating in Naples, Italy, San Marzano tomatoes are thin, and long plum-shaped tomatoes used to prepare an authentic Italian sauce. The thick flesh and plum shape separate San Marzano tomatoes from other types. To be a San Marzano tomato, they must be grown in a specific part of Italy with a D.O.P. certified seal.

These tomatoes are canned whole and preserved at the peak of their freshness. These cans are easily accessible in most supermarkets.

San Marzano tomatoes have a unique, sweet, rich, and less acidic taste than traditional tomatoes. These tomatoes are grown in volcanic soil that offers a mineral-rich environment, allowing them to thrive and giving them a distinctive flavor.

Moreover, these tomatoes are less watery, giving a slightly thick texture. As a result, you get rich and thick tomato sauce.

You will always find whole, peeled plum-shaped tomatoes in 14 or 28-ounce cans. To prepare the Italian tomato sauce, blend the tomatoes into a smooth or chunky consistency.