Bob’s Simple Tomato Sauce

There are hundreds of “simple tomato sauces” available online or in cookbooks.  All of them have a common theme, but simplest is best and this is my version.

3 T.   olive oil

1 medium onion (fine dice)

1/2 carrot (fine dice) – the easiest way I have found is to grate the carrot  and then dice it with a kitchen knife

1/2 stalk celery (fine dice)

3 cloves garlic (fine dice or use a garlic press)

2 t. thyme (fresh-chopped fine—or half the amount if you are using dry)

1/4 cup decent red wine (drinkable but not expensive)

salt and pepper

2 15 1/2 oz cans tomatoes (Hunts was the winner of Cook’s Illustrated testing, but Muir Glen is my favorite)

red pepper flakes

Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium/low heat; add the onions, carrot and celery with a pinch of salt.  Cook til almost soft, about 8 to 10 minutes.  Add the garlic, thyme and another pinch of salt, and let cook for another minute or two.  Now add the red wine and let the wine cook down to about a third.  Add the two cans of tomatos, then sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes with a few grinds of black pepper over the top.   Bring to a simmer, stir well, cover and let simmer for about 45 minutes.

It freezes well.

Other ideas—

about 1/2 cup chopped FRESH basil (add near the end of cooking)

1/2 t. sugar if the sauce has a bitter taste

Posted by admin on June 25th, 2010 under Sauces


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