Basic Tomato Sauce

Recipe courtesy Mario Batali

Show: Molto MarioEpisode: Basic Pasta Sauces

Rated: 4 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (30)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(30)

Cook Time:
45 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
4 cups

Times:

Prep: 15 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 45 min
Total:: 1 hr 0 min

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Ingredients

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 Spanish onion, 1/4-inch dice
4 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves, or 1 tablespoon dried
1/2 medium carrot, finely grated
2 (28-ounce) cans peeled whole tomatoes, crushed by hand and juices reserved
Salt
Spaghetti, cooked al dente
Whole basil leaves, for garnish
Grated Parmesan, (optional)

Directions

In a 3-quart saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until soft and light golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the thyme and carrot, and cook 5 minutes more, until the carrot is quite soft. Add the tomatoes and juice and bring to a boil, stirring often. Lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes until as thick as hot cereal. Season with salt and serve. This sauce holds 1 week in the refrigerator or up to 6 months in the freezer.

When ready to use, the cooked pasta should be added to a saucepan with the appropriate

amount of sauce. Garnish with basil leaves and cheese, if using.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Basic Tomato Sauce
d san diego, CA 11-07-2009
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awful
Rated: 1 stars out of 5

i've searched for years for a italian gravy for my meatballs that doesn't taste like bitter tomato paste and i thought this... would be it..after all...it's mario and he's the best of the best...i was wrong...this recipe is like all of the others...bitter...with slumped shoulders and hung head my quest continues...Read more
recipe Basic Tomato Sauce
Becky Winfield, IL 09-01-2009
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Basic = Best
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

After searching for ages for a good, solid tomato sauce, I finally stumbled upon this one. And what a find! I like my tomato... sauces chunky, and this is perfecto, but for those who like a smoother texture, be warned. I've also tinkered with it here and there: adding fresh mushrooms to the onion/garlic step, tossing in some Italian sausage. Personally, I think this recipe works best with a larger noodle, like penne: it just grabs the sauce better.Read more
recipe Basic Tomato Sauce
Brenda Pinehurst, NC 07-06-2009
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NEVER BUY SAUCE AGAIN
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Mario, you make me look like a star chef!!! This sauce is so simple to make and it tastes so clean and fresh, yet packed with... flavor. I freeze it in small containers and use as needed. As a pasta sauce, it can't be beat and as a base for assembling bruschetta, it is wonderful. I will never purchase tomato sauce again!!! Thank you. Wish you were back on Food Network...They are sorely in need of real chefs of your caliber.Read more
recipe Basic Tomato Sauce
Anonymous 09-07-2008
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good
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

I used this as a base tomato sauce for a lamb ragu, easy and pretty good, though i didn't find the taste very concentrated,... not a bad recipe overall, but i think i'll look for something better next time.Read more
recipe Basic Tomato Sauce
thomas brooklyn, NY 06-21-2008
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ALMOST PERFECT!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Fantastic sauce that freezes very well in individual containers. Two small changes: 1. He forgot to include the step:... REMOVE THE TOMATO SEEDS and reserve the juice. 2. I suggest folding in fresh chopped basil to pasta and sauce at the end. BONUS: Fold in a spoon or two of ricotta into the sauce/pasta mixture.Read more
recipe Basic Tomato Sauce
Gail Glenview, IL 04-29-2008
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Simply Superb
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Love this sauce. Made it once with Mario's recommended San Marzano tomatoes from Italy and once with another brand. Use the... San Marzano if you can find it, the taste is superb and less acidy. Love it on pasta or dipping a calzone. Quick, simple and delicious!Read more