This post may contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links See Full Disclosure Here
What’s the secret to a good tomato sauce? It’s the age old question. But what’s the answer? I’m certain that every Italian family has their own signature sauce (to say) and that you will never find two families that do it exactly the same. The one tip I have learned over the years, is that a good tomato sauce needs to start with the best quality peeled tomatoes. Preferably San Marzano tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are plump, sweet and full of flavor.
Whenever I need to make a quick and simple sauce the first ingredient I reach for is a can of San Marzano tomatoes. More specifically, I reach for San Marzano Tomatoes from Cento. I use these tomatoes because they represent every characteristic that my Italian family looks for when preserving tomatoes for the summer sauce. Actually, they might be better because they are grown in the rich volcanic soil near Mt. Vesuvius, which is known for it’s fruitful soil. In addition to being sweet and delicious, Cento San Marzano tomatoes are GMO free, and they are certified “authentic” by an independent third party agency. That’s how know you’re getting the coveted San Marzano tomato, prefered by notable chefs and Italian cooks.
How do I make this simple San Marzano Sauce? Let me tell you it is so quick and easy. Besides starting with the best tomatoes, I only use extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic, Italian parsley and basil.
In my opinion, a good sauce also starts with a food mill. A food mill (or passa tutto) purees and seeds the tomatoes to the perfect texture and consistency. With these few ingredients and my food mill, I make this flavorful and delicious sauce in 25 minutes (from start to finish).
As I said above, this is MY simple San Marzano Tomato Sauce. I know for certain there are many different variations. The one thing that will never change however, is a good tomato sauce needs to start with good quality tomatoes.
That my friends is my “secret”- good quality San Marzano tomatoes from Cento. The next time you want to make a simple and flavorful sauce be sure to stock your pantry with a can of their certified San Marzano Tomatoes and in 20 minutes you’ll have a quick and flavorful sauce to accompany your favorite dish.
Don’t forget to let me know what you think!
Simple San Marzano Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 28 oz can of san marzano tomatoes Cento
- 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 2 cloves garlic halved
- 1 handful Italian Parlsey Chopped
- 4 Basil Leaves (whole)
- 2 pinches salt
Instructions
- Heat oil and garlic on medium heat (do not brown) Using a food mill strain the entire can of tomatoes into the pot.
- Add fresh parsley and basil. Bring to a slow simmer and add salt. Stir occasionally
- Once simmered bring down heat to low and Let cook for an additional 15 minutes.