Sicilian Tomato Sauce
Sicilian Tomato Sauce is a rich, flavorful sauce made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs, often incorporating ingredients like olives and capers for added depth. This traditional sauce, known for its rustic texture and bold taste, is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for various dishes, offering a true taste of Sicily.
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!
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.