Making a thick tomato sauce involves reducing the liquid content in the sauce to achieve a thicker consistency. Here's a simple method to make a thick tomato sauce:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces (about 800 grams) canned crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
Add the tomatoes: Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes or tomato puree, and give it a good stir. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
Seasoning: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. The sugar is optional but can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Simmer and reduce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. As the sauce simmers, the liquid will evaporate, and the sauce will thicken. This process may take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the desired thickness and the initial liquid content of the tomatoes.
Adjust consistency: If the sauce is still not as thick as you want it to be after simmering, continue cooking until it reaches the desired thickness. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little water or tomato juice to adjust the consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to enhance the flavors.
Serve or store: Your thick tomato sauce is now ready to use! Use it as a pasta sauce, pizza sauce, or in any recipe that calls for tomato sauce. If you have leftovers, let the sauce cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, or freeze it for longer storage.
By following these steps, you can create a delicious and thick tomato sauce that will complement various dishes and add a burst of flavor to your meals.