Sugo (Italian Tomato Sauce)

Sugo (Italian Tomato Sauce)

4 servings
Sugo is an authentic Italian tomato sauce that benefits from slow-simmering on the stove. This recipe uses only a handful of ingredients to create a rich, flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

  • 2 tblsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion

    minced

  • 4 cloves garlic

    lightly smashed

  • 1/2 tsp salt
    or to taste
  • Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 28 oz can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup red wine

    optional, s

  • Handful fresh basil leaves

    torn, plus more for garnish

  • pasta

    for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    <p>Prep and gather all ingredients. Heat the olive oil in a large <a href="https://www.cozymeal.com/shop/cookware" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pot</a> over medium heat.</p>

  2. 2

    <p>Add the onion and cook until softened and translucent. Add the smashed garlic cloves and cook until fragrant and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the garlic from the pan.</p>

  3. 3

    <p>Add the salt, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, crushed tomatoes and wine, if using.</p>

  4. 4

    <p>Bring the sauce to a simmer and cover. Simmer for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the sauce is thickened to your liking. Stir in basil and remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust for seasoning and salt.</p>

  5. 5

    <p>Serve with pasta.</p>

Sugo (Italian Tomato Sauce)

Sugo (Italian Tomato Sauce)

5.0(2)85 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving the authentic taste of Italy right in your kitchen? This Sugo recipe delivers a rich, slow-simmered Italian tomato sauce that's incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make, perfect for any home cook.

What sets this Sugo apart is its commitment to quality ingredients and the patience of slow-simmering. By allowing a handful of core flavors—like sweet San Marzano tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil—to meld over time, you unlock a depth that quick sauces simply can't achieve. This method creates a truly authentic and flavorful experience.

Prepare for a deeply aromatic and savory experience. The long simmer transforms simple ingredients into a velvety, rich tomato sauce with a vibrant sweetness and subtle tang from the San Marzanos. You'll notice the warmth of the crushed red pepper flakes and the herbaceous notes from the fresh basil, all balanced by the gentle allium sweetness of the onion and garlic. This sauce is designed to cling beautifully to pasta, offering a comforting and profoundly satisfying meal that feels both rustic and refined.

You can easily tailor this Sugo to your preferences. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, simply omit the red wine; the sauce will still be wonderfully flavorful. For a deeper, spicier kick, feel free to increase the crushed red pepper flakes. While delicious with any pasta, consider serving it with a robust shape like rigatoni or pappardelle to truly capture every bit of its rich goodness.

This versatile Italian tomato sauce is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or simply whenever you crave authentic Italian comfort food. Serve it generously over your favorite pasta, perhaps with a sprinkle of extra fresh basil for a vibrant finish.

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