Sicilian Tomato Sauce is an authentic, rich, and flavorful Italian sauce made from ripe, sun-kissed tomatoes, aromatic herbs like basil and oregano, and a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil.
Known for its smooth texture and balanced taste, this sauce brings together the perfect combination of sweetness, acidity, and aromatic herbs.
The taste of Sicily Tomato Sauce is both fresh and savory, with a natural sweetness from the tomatoes, complemented by the earthy and fragrant herbs.
It’s the perfect balance of bold and subtle flavors that makes it so versatile.I made this sauce in my kitchen, inspired by the traditional recipes passed down from Sicilian families.
My friends and family, when tasting it, couldn’t stop raving about how it transported them to Sicily. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many claiming it was the best tomato sauce they had ever tasted!
Why We Love This Recipe
We love this Sicilian tomato sauce recipe because it combines fresh, wholesome ingredients to create a rich and balanced flavor profile.
The sweet tomatoes, savory olives, and aromatic vegetables come together in perfect harmony, with a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes. It’s easy to make, yet full of depth, making it a go-to sauce for so many dishes.
Its versatility, ability to elevate any meal, and comforting, authentic taste remind us of the warmth and tradition of Sicilian cooking, making it a favorite for family gatherings or simple weeknight dinners.
How To Prepare Sicilian Tomato Sauce?
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Course: Sauce, Condiment
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Sicilian/Italian
- Calories: Approximately 180 calories per serving (1/2 cup)
- Yield: 6 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Knife and chopping board
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Can opener (if using canned tomatoes)
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes (fresh or canned, preferably San Marzano)
- 2 medium celery sticks, chopped
- 20 green olives, pitted
- 20 Kalamata olives, pitted
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by mincing the garlic, chopping the celery sticks and carrot into small pieces, and setting them aside. Also, pit the green and Kalamata olives and roughly chop them.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In a medium saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Add the chopped celery and carrot to the pan, stirring frequently. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Pour in the ripe tomatoes (if using fresh, crush them with your hands or a spoon) and stir in the red pepper flakes, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Incorporate Olives:
After the sauce has simmered, add the green and Kalamata olives. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
6. Finishing Touches:
Stir in the chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning with salt or additional sugar, if necessary. Allow the sauce to cook for a final 2-3 minutes to fully combine the flavors.
7. Serve:
Your Sicilian tomato sauce is ready to be served over pasta, as a pizza topping, or enjoyed with crusty bread!
Special Notes
❖ Tomato Variety: While any ripe tomatoes will work, I recommend using San Marzano tomatoes if you can find them. These tomatoes are known for their rich, sweet flavor and are a staple in authentic Italian cooking.
❖ Customization: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your taste. Some variations of Sicilian tomato sauce include capers or olives for added flavor. You could also experiment with adding anchovies for a more traditional Sicilian touch.
Unique Tips And Tricks For Perfect
1. Use San Marzano Tomatoes for Authentic Flavor
If you want the best flavor, always go for San Marzano tomatoes. Known for their sweet and low-acid profile, these tomatoes are the gold standard in Italian cooking and will give your sauce an authentic taste of Sicily.
2. Add a Pinch of Baking Soda to Cut Acidity
If your sauce tastes too acidic, add a tiny pinch of baking soda. It will neutralize the acidity and balance out the flavors without altering the taste too much.
3. Infuse the Olive Oil with Garlic and Herbs First
To maximize flavor, sauté garlic and herbs in the olive oil before adding tomatoes. This helps release their essential oils and creates a deeper, more aromatic base for your sauce.
4. Simmer Slowly for Richer Flavor
Don’t rush the cooking process. Let your sauce simmer gently on low heat for 25-30 minutes to develop a rich, complex flavor. The longer you cook, the more concentrated and flavorful it becomes.
5. Finish with Fresh Basil and a Drizzle of Olive Oil
For the perfect finishing touch, stir in fresh basil leaves right at the end of cooking and drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil on top before serving. This adds freshness and a silky smooth finish to the sauce.
What Is The Best Serving Ideas
The best way to serve Sicilian tomato sauce is over your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or penne, allowing the sauce to coat the noodles perfectly.
It also works wonderfully as a topping for pizza, adding a rich and savory base. You can use it as a dip for crusty bread or serve it alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Its versatility makes it a great addition to many dishes, bringing vibrant flavors to any table.
Storage & Make Ahead
Sicilian tomato sauce can be easily made ahead and stored for later use. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Making the sauce ahead of time allows the flavors to meld even further, making it an excellent option for busy days when you want a quick, flavorful meal.
More Tomato Sauce Recipes You’ll Love
Brussell Sprouth Tomato Sauce – Healthy Comfort
Sun Dried Tomato Sauce – Italian Sauce
Italian – Full Red Tomato Sauce
Cajun Tomato Sauce – Taste Of New Orleans
How To Make Tomato Soup Made From Marinara Sauce
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for Sicilian tomato sauce?
Yes, fresh ripe tomatoes, especially San Marzano, work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to crush them or blend them for a smoother texture.
Can I make Sicilian tomato sauce without olives?
While olives add a distinctive flavor to the sauce, you can omit them if you prefer a more traditional tomato sauce. However, they contribute to the authentic taste of Sicilian cuisine.
Can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preference. For a milder sauce, you can omit them altogether.
How do I make the sauce smoother?
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the sauce after it’s cooked. This will give it a velvety consistency.
What dishes can I pair Sicilian tomato sauce with?
This sauce pairs well with pasta, pizza, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even as a dip for bread. Its versatility makes it a great addition to many Italian-inspired meals.
Conclusion
Sicilian tomato sauce is a vibrant, flavorful addition to many Italian dishes, capturing the essence of Sicilian cooking through its use of fresh, simple ingredients.
With a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of heat, it brings out the best in any meal. Served with pasta, on pizza, or as a dip, this sauce offers a taste of Sicily that’s both comforting and delicious.
Inspired by centuries of tradition, it continues to be enjoyed by food lovers around the world, who praise its rich taste and versatility.
Making it at home or sharing it at a family gathering, Sicilian tomato sauce adds an unforgettable touch to any dish.
Sicilian Tomato Sauce
Equipment
- Knife and chopping board
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Can opener (if using canned tomatoes)
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes fresh or canned, preferably San Marzano
- 2 medium celery sticks chopped
- 20 green olives pitted
- 20 Kalamata olives pitted
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 large carrot peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Start by mincing the garlic, chopping the celery sticks and carrot into small pieces, and setting them aside. Also, pit the green and Kalamata olives and roughly chop them.
Cook the Aromatics:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped celery and carrot to the pan, stirring frequently. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Pour in the ripe tomatoes (if using fresh, crush them with your hands or a spoon) and stir in the red pepper flakes, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Incorporate Olives:
- After the sauce has simmered, add the green and Kalamata olives. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Finishing Touches:
- Stir in the chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning with salt or additional sugar, if necessary. Allow the sauce to cook for a final 2-3 minutes to fully combine the flavors.
Serve:
- Your Sicilian tomato sauce is ready to be served over pasta, as a pizza topping, or enjoyed with crusty bread!