Mario Batali Tomato Sauce
Mario Batali's Tomato Sauce is a flavorful, rustic recipe that highlights the simplicity of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of red pepper flakes, it’s simmered to perfection for a rich, deep flavor. This sauce is versatile, perfect for pasta, pizza, or any Italian dish, and embodies Batali’s approach to creating authentic, vibrant, and easy-to-make Italian comfort food.
Equipment
- 3-quart saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Spanish onion finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 tablespoon dried
- ½ medium carrot finely shredded
- 2 28-ounce cans peeled whole tomatoes, crushed by hand with their juices
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced garlic, cooking until they become soft and light golden brown, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh thyme and shredded carrot. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the carrot to soften and meld with the other flavors.
- Add the crushed tomatoes along with their juices to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a consistency similar to hot cereal.
- Taste the sauce and add salt as needed. Once done, remove from heat and serve immediately over your choice of pasta, pizza, or any dish that calls for a robust tomato sauce.