Fresh tomato Sauce Pomodoro

 

Recipe: Easy Fresh Tomato Sauce

Kathleen Flinn · Thank you!

Be sure to have all the ingredients ready before starting the sauce. It’s ready more quickly than you expect. Good tasting fresh tomatoes make all the difference here; cherry tomatoes work especially well and just need to be cut in half. Makes enough sauce for about four- to six-ounces of pasta, or two servings.
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup finely chopped onions
About one-pound tomatoes, chopped (I love making with garden tomatoes)
¼ cup white wine (optional) 
¼ cup hot pasta water
1 tablespoon minced parsley or basil
Pinch or two hot pepper flakes
¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Add oil to a sauté pan over high heat. Add the garlic and onions, briefly cook until softened. Add the tomatoes, a splash of wine (optional), any other vegetables (see below) and cook for about two to three minutes until all are softened. Add in the hot pasta water and cook until reduced and the rest of the ingredients begin to break down, about another two minutes. Remove from heat, add cheese and serve over hot pasta.

Variations:
-Add in a splash of cream at the end of cooking for a more creamy texture
-A handful of additional vegetables such as zucchini, artichokes, olives, asparagus can be added to extend the sauce and offer additional flavor. Be creative!
-Cooked shrimp or chicken can be added are the tomatoes

Easy Spaghetti Sauce
Cheaper, tastier and healthier than most jars of pasta sauce, this easy version can be made in the time that it takes to make your pasta and a quick salad. As an added bonus, you can add in vegetables or other flavorings. Makes four servings

4 tablespoons olive oil
¾ cup finely chopped onion , about half an onion)
1 ½ teaspoons mixed Italian herbs
4 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped
1 (16-oz.) can tomato sauce (about two cups)
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
1 Bay leaf
In a saucepan over medium heat, cook and stir the onions and herbs in olive oil until tender. Add garlic, cook and stir for one minute. Add rest of the ingredients, bring to a boil then simmer uncovered on low heat for about 20 minutes. Taste, adjust seasonings.
Variations:
– About a half-cup of green and/or black olives for a puttanesca-style sauce
-A handful of finely chopped mushrooms
-Two tablespoons of red wine added just before simmering for a “cabernet” style sauce

What does pomodoro mean?

tomato

The word "pomodoro" comes from the Italian word "pomodoro," which means "tomato." The tomato is native to the western part of South America and was first cultivated by the Aztecs in Mexico.