Last updated on April 17th, 2023 at 04:04 pm
Make your own rich Sugo di Pomodoro at home with this simple recipe. Made with tomatoes, garlic, lemon and fresh basil, this simple sauce is perfect over pasta, on pizza or in a bolognese. You can even use it as a base for soup.
What is Sugo?
Sugo is the Italian word for "sauce". "Sugo di Pomodoro is Italian for tomato sauce.
Sugo is traditionally made with olive oil, onions, tomatoes and garlic. It's super simple and delicious. My recipe for has a few little extras to add a little body and oomph.
Is Sugo the same as Passata?
Nope.
Passata is the thick paste (or sauce) made from strained tomatoes usually sold in glass bottles. Sugo, on the other hand, is a sauce made out of whole tomatoes simmered on low heat for a long time to a thick consistency. Passata is often used to make sugo.
Why We Make Our Own Tomato Sugo
Admittedly, buying store bought sauce is easy and convenient. However, this homemade tomato sauce is pretty darn simple too. One cook and you'll have enough sauce for 2 family serves of pasta...at least. I usually serve it over a nice spaghetti, keep a little for pizza and make my eggplant involtini for a family of 3.
This sauce is:
Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes! Of course. I use good quality canned cherry or whole tomatoes. Buy a good quality brand - I use Mutti here in Australia (not a sponsored post, I just like the brand). For a smokier sugo, you could use canned fire roasted tomatoes or the San Marzano brand if you can get them.
Mirepoix. The combination of diced onion, celery and carrot is called "mirepoix" - it adds a strong base to any dish. Take your time cooking the vegetables to ensure you get big flavour.
Garlic. We love garlic around here! I use 3 to 4 good sized cloves but you do you. Use more or less to your taste.
Smoked paprika. I know, it's not very traditional but smoky paprika adds depth and warmth to this tomato sauce.
Salt. Always taste and season your food. Always.
Lemon zest. I love lemon with tomato and basil, it lifts the flavour and adds zest.
Basil. We are using fresh basil leaves here but you can use dried if that's what you have. You can also swap out basil for oregano.
How to Make Homemade Tomato Sauce
You'll find full instructions and measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Making your own tomato sauce is so simple and rewarding. In less than an hour you'll have a big pot of tomato-y goodness - enough for two family meals.
Step 1. Cook your mirepoix over low to medium heat for around 15-20 minutes to make sure it is soft and delicious.
Step 2. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for 30-45 seconds or until fragrant.
Step 3. Add the smoked paprika and give it a good stir before moving on to Step 4 - adding the tomatoes.
Step 5. Continue cooking the tomatoes, stirring every once in a while, for 20 -25 minutes.
Step 6. Add the fresh basil and lemon zest and remove the pot from the heat and allow the sauce to sit for 10 minutes for the flavours to infuse.
Note - if you are using dried herbs, add them at the same time as the smoked paprika.
And you're done.
Tips & Cheats
Ways to use Your Tomato Sauce
This homemade sauce is so versatile. Use it
- as a base for your bolognese sauce
- over pasta or gnocchi
- on a pizza base for a fresh spin on your favourite pizza
- to make soup! Cook your sauce with vegetable stock and blend for a zingy tomato soup.
- warmed over garlic-rubbed toasted ciabatta bread.
FAQs
Not all canned tomatoes are made equal. Taste your sauce and if it is too acidic or bitter, add an eighth of a teaspoon of baking soda at a time tasting in between until the acidity is cut. Alternatively, try adding sugar a teaspoon at a time until you are happy with it.
Cool the sauce completely and transfer it to a sealed container. Pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it. See below.
Yes! Allow the sauce to cool and then transfer it to a sealed freezer proof container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before re-heating to serve.
More sauces and seasonings to try -
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Homemade Sugo
Equipment
- 1 large cooking pot
- kitchen knife
- chopping board
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium brown onion peeled and finely diced
- 2 medium carrots peeled and finely diced
- 2 celery ribs finely diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1200 g chopped or cherry tomatoes 3 x 400g cans
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil leaves finely sliced or 2 teaspoon dried basil
- zest of 1 lemon optional
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot and celery (mirepoix) and cook for around 15-20 minutes to make surety vegetables are soft and delicious. Turn the heat down if the vegetables start to brown.
- Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for 30-45 seconds or until fragrant.
- Add the smoked paprika and give it a good stir before adding the tomatoes.
- Continue cooking the tomatoes, stirring every once in a while, for 20 minutes.
- Add the fresh basil and lemon zest and remove the pot from the heat and allow the sauce to sit for 10 minutes for the flavours to infuse.
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