This authentic Sicilian homemade pasta sauce is a burst of fresh flavors! Made with juicy tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic basil, it’s simple yet oh-so-tasty. Perfect with any pasta you love!
You might find yourself eating it right from the pot. I’ve been known to sneak a spoonful—or three—before serving! 🍅 What’s better than a home-cooked sauce? You can easily adjust the spices to make it just how you like it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Ripe plum tomatoes are ideal for this sauce. They are juicy and flavorful. If they aren’t in season, canned San Marzano tomatoes are a great substitute; they have a rich taste that works well.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds depth and richness. If you’re looking for alternatives, avocado oil is a good option, but it won’t have quite the same flavor. You might also use regular olive oil for a lighter touch.
Garlic: The more garlic, the better! Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use garlic powder. Just remember that fresh always wins in taste!
Basil: Fresh basil is essential for that authentic touch. If you can’t find fresh, dried basil can work, but use about one-third of the amount since dried is more concentrated.
Sugar: This is optional but helps balance the acidity of tomatoes. If you’re avoiding sugar, try a pinch of baking soda instead—it does the trick too!
How Do You Make Sure the Sauce Has Great Depth of Flavor?
Cooking the sauce low and slow is key. This allows the flavors to develop beautifully. Here’s how you can make the most out of your cooking:
- Start with a good sauté. Make sure your onions are nice and translucent before adding garlic. It builds a strong flavor base.
- Let the tomatoes simmer fully. The longer you let the sauce cook, the thicker and richer it becomes. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Don’t rush the process! Give it at least 45 minutes. This patience is what brings the flavors together.
- Add in your fresh herbs near the end. This preserves their bright taste and aroma.
Final tip: Taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning along the way to make it perfect for your palate.
Authentic Sicilian Homemade Pasta Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sauce:
- 2 lbs (900g) ripe plum tomatoes or canned San Marzano tomatoes
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for depth)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- Red pepper flakes to taste (optional for a little heat)
Time Needed:
This delicious sauce takes about 15 minutes to prep and 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook. Overall, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish for a rich and authentic flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tomatoes:
If you’re using fresh tomatoes, start by boiling a large pot of water. Score a small ‘X’ on the bottom of each tomato to help the skins loosen. Blanch them in the boiling water for about 30-60 seconds until the skin starts to peel away. Then, transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool. Once cooled, peel off the skins and chop the tomatoes coarsely. If you’re opting for canned tomatoes, just crush them in your hands or with a spoon to break them up!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Grab a large saucepan and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, throw in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown as it can turn bitter!
3. Cook the Sauce:
Now it’s time to add in your tomatoes, along with the tomato paste (if you’re using it), salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir everything well to combine and bring it all to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Give it a stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer it cooks, the thicker and more flavorful it gets!
4. Add Herbs and Seasoning:
About 10 minutes before your sauce is done cooking, toss in the torn basil leaves, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you’d like a little heat. This will allow the herbs to release their wonderful flavors into the sauce.
5. Blend (Optional):
If you prefer a smoother sauce, here’s your chance! You can use an immersion blender to give the sauce a quick blend, or leave it chunky if that’s how you like it.
6. Final Taste Check:
Now, it’s time to taste your sauce! Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper until it’s just right for you.
7. Serve:
Once your sauce is ready, toss it with your favorite cooked pasta. You can finish it off with a drizzle of olive oil and some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra yumminess!
Enjoy your authentic Sicilian pasta sauce that captures the vibrant taste of Sicily! Buon appetito!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned San Marzano tomatoes are an excellent choice as they are rich and flavorful. Just crush them with your hands or a spoon before adding them to the sauce.
How to Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes! If you prefer a milder sauce, omit the red pepper flakes entirely. Conversely, feel free to add more for an extra kick! Just add a little at a time until it reaches your desired spice level.
What Pasta Pairs Best with This Sauce?
This sauce pairs beautifully with various pasta types, including spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gnocchi. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold onto the sauce well!
