Nonna Pia’s Tomato Sauce Process 🍅👵

Nonna Pia’s Tomato Sauce Process is more than just cooking—it’s a labor of love. 🍅👵 From hand-picking the ripest tomatoes to slow-simmering them with garlic, fresh basil, and a touch of tradition, every step is done with care. The kitchen fills with the rich aroma of home, memories, and generations of flavor. This isn’t just sauce—it’s Nonna’s heart in a pot. ❤️🍝

Nonna Pia’s Classic Homemade Tomato Sauce — rich, simple, and full of love, just like Nonna makes it. 🍅👵

Nonna Pia’s Homemade Tomato Sauce

Servings: Makes about 6 cups of sauce
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 10–12 ripe Roma tomatoes (or 2 large cans of San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for deeper flavor)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
• Optional: 1 bay leaf or pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor
• Optional: Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano rind (adds richness during simmering)

Instructions

1. Prep the Tomatoes (if using fresh):
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Score an “X” on the bottom of each tomato and boil them for 30–60 seconds until the skins begin to peel away. Transfer to a bowl of ice water, peel, then chop or crush with your hands. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the Tomatoes:
   Add the fresh or canned tomatoes to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break them up a bit. Stir in the tomato paste if using, then add sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or bay leaf.
4. Simmer Low and Slow:
   Reduce the heat to low. Partially cover the pot and let the sauce simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer it gets!
5. Add the Basil:
   In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh basil. Remove the bay leaf and Parmesan rind if used.
6. Blend (Optional):
   For a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender or let it cool slightly and blend in batches. Nonna prefers it a little chunky for that rustic touch!

Serving Suggestions

Serve with fresh pasta, spoon it over lasagna, or use it as a base for meatballs or eggplant parmigiana. Freeze leftovers in containers for a quick homemade meal anytime.