Lidia Tomato Sauce is a vibrant, rich, and flavorful Italian classic. Made with simple ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh aromatics like onion, garlic, and basil, this sauce brings the essence of Italy right into your kitchen.
The inclusion of carrot and celery adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor, while a touch of sugar helps to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the true taste of ripe tomatoes, and the fragrance of basil will fill your kitchen as it simmers.
A perfect dish for family dinners or meal prepping, this tomato sauce is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
In this blog post, you’ll learn how to create this iconic sauce, the key ingredients to use, and expert tips for making it the best version possible.
This recipe is versatile enough to be used in various dishes, making it a must-have in your culinary repertoire.
How To Prepare Lidia Tomato Sauce?
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Sauce, Side Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: Approx. 150 kcal per serving
Yield: About 4 cups
Kitchen Utensils
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Can opener
Ingredients For Lidia Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (28 ounces) of whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 fresh basil leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup peeled and finely shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery, including leaves
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by finely chopping the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. If using fresh basil, tear the leaves into small pieces.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Stir in the shredded carrot and chopped celery, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, until they begin to soften.
4. Add the Tomatoes:
Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes (with their juice). Use a spoon or potato masher to break the tomatoes into smaller pieces. Stir to combine with the aromatics.
5. Season:
Add the salt, sugar (if using), crushed red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the basil leaves (or dried basil) and cook over low heat for 30-40 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
6. Adjust the Seasoning:
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
7. Serve:
Once the sauce is thickened and flavorful, remove it from heat and serve over pasta, pizza, or use as a base for other dishes.
Notes
✔ If you’re short on time, you can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
✔ If you like a more robust flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers.
✔ Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch more salt or sugar can make all the difference.
Tips And Variations
Tips:
1. The quality of your tomatoes significantly affects the flavor of the sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are often recommended because of their sweet flavor and low acidity, but any high-quality whole peeled tomatoes will work well.
2. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for at least 30-40 minutes. This slow cooking process helps to deepen the flavor and bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
3. If your sauce is too thick, add a little water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to thicken.
4. Some tomatoes can be more acidic, so adding a small amount of sugar (about 1/2 teaspoon) can help balance out the sharpness, creating a smoother, richer flavor.
5. If you prefer a smoother tomato sauce, you can use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the sauce after it has finished cooking. This will create a velvety texture perfect for dishes like pasta.
Variations
1. Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce:
Add more crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon or more) to the sauce for a bold, spicy kick. You can also add a pinch of chili powder for extra heat.
2. Meat Sauce (Ragù):
Brown 1/2 pound of ground beef, pork, or Italian sausage along with the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes. This will add richness and depth to the sauce. Let it simmer for a longer time to tenderize the meat.
3. Puttanesca Sauce:
Stir in 2 tablespoons of capers, 1/4 cup of pitted olives, and 2 tablespoons of anchovy paste or fillets. This adds salty, briny flavors that give the sauce a Mediterranean twist.
4. Vegetarian Tomato Sauce:
Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to the sauce to make it heartier and more nutritious. You can also toss in some spinach or kale for extra greens.
5. Creamy Tomato Sauce:
After the sauce has simmered, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese. This will result in a smooth, rich, and slightly sweet sauce that’s perfect for pasta dishes like penne alla vodka.
Health Benefits
Tomato sauce offers several health benefits, primarily due to its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and vitamin A, which is essential for eye health.
The sauce also contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Additionally, the olive oil in the sauce provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help improve cholesterol levels and promote heart health. Overall, this tomato sauce can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
Proper Storage Lidia Tomato Sauce
To properly store Lidia’s tomato sauce, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portions using freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly on the stove.
Make sure to stir occasionally during reheating for an even consistency. Labeling the container with the date will help keep track of its freshness.
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FAQs About Lidia Tomato Sauce
How long does Lidia Tomato Sauce last in the refrigerator?
Lidia Tomato Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making it taste even better the next day. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in portions for up to 3 months.
Can I make Lidia Tomato Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making tomato sauce ahead of time is a great idea. The flavors intensify and deepen the longer the sauce sits. You can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Simply reheat it on the stove before serving.
Is it necessary to add sugar to Lidia Tomato Sauce?
Adding sugar is optional but highly recommended if you prefer to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes. Depending on the tomatoes’ ripeness, some batches might be more acidic than others. If your sauce tastes too tangy, a teaspoon of sugar can help mellow out the flavor. Feel free to adjust the sweetness according to your personal preference.
Can I make Lidia Tomato Sauce spicier?
Yes, you can easily make the sauce spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or using a fresh jalapeño or other hot peppers. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to ensure you reach the level of heat that suits your preferences. Just be cautious not to overpower the other flavors of the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Lidia Tomato Sauce is a simple yet flavorful recipe that brings the essence of Italian cooking into your home.
With its rich, fresh flavors and versatile nature, this sauce will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Preparing a weeknight meal or a special Italian feast, this tomato sauce is guaranteed to impress.
If you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out! Feel free to leave a comment below or tag us on social media with your creations.
Lidia Tomato Sauce
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- knife
- Cutting board
- Can opener
Ingredients
- 1 can 28 ounces of whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
- 2 fresh basil leaves or 1 tablespoon dried basil
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup peeled and finely shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery including leaves
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by finely chopping the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. If using fresh basil, tear the leaves into small pieces.
Cook the Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in the shredded carrot and chopped celery, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, until they begin to soften.
Add the Tomatoes:
- Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes (with their juice). Use a spoon or potato masher to break the tomatoes into smaller pieces. Stir to combine with the aromatics.
Season:
- Add the salt, sugar (if using), crushed red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the basil leaves (or dried basil) and cook over low heat for 30-40 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
Adjust the Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
Serve:
- Once the sauce is thickened and flavorful, remove it from heat and serve over pasta, pizza, or use as a base for other dishes.
Notes
If you’re short on time, you can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
If you like a more robust flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers.
Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch more salt or sugar can make all the difference.