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The Tiny Italian

Pasta, Gnocchi & Polenta / Recipes / TTI Top 5s

Top tips: How to cook the perfect tomato sauce.

When someone says Italian food to you… what’s the first thing that pops into your head? It’s common knowledge that most people here in the UK would say pasta, pizza or anything with a tomato sauce. The tomato red sauce has been associated with Italian cooking for years. Over the last few years, I have felt it’s been my mission to share with you all the other amazing foods my beloved fatherland has to offer. However, there is one thing I can’t deny you; the culinary pleasure you do get from a simple bowl of pasta and tomato sauce. Hands down it’s still one of my all-time favourite Italian dishes.

Pasta tomato sauce
Pasta tomato sauce

To make a great tomato sauce it’s important to use great quality tomato products. There are three products that I always have in my kitchen cupboards to ensure I create the perfect tomato sauce.

  • Tinned peeled plum or cherry tomatoes. Ideally, you want the whole tomato and not chopped, as its the pulp that gives the flavour and texture to the sauce. By buying peeled tomatoes, you are guaranteed to get mainly pulp and less liquid. Some of the best-tinned tomatoes are San Marzano from Naples and Pacchino from Naples. Both can be found at your local Italian delicatessen. Great for pasta sauces and stews
  • If you struggle to find whole peeled tomatoes, then by adding tomato concentrate puree, can really help intensify the flavour. You can loosen it up in some cooking liquid or water and add to chopped tomatoes or ingredients.
  • If you are looking for a smoother texture rather than chunky rustic created by peeled tomatoes, then passata is your guy. Plum tomatoes that have been pureed and passed through a sieve create a smoother consistency. These are perfect for soups, ragus and risottos.

All three tomato products can be found at any local supermarket. However, if you really want to enhance your tomato sauce experience there are a number of brands I recommend.

  • La Fiammante
  • La Carmela
  • Strianese
  • Mutti
  • Cirio

Most of these brands can be found in an Italian delicatessen or a food specialist store. Mutti and Cirio can be found in some selected UK supermarkets.

Now, I am sharing with you my top 5 cooking tips to cook and serve the perfect pasta tomato sauce with tinned tomatoes. In true TTI fashion, its straightforward and quick recipe so why not bring some pasta tomato sauce heaven into your life. However, this recipe can be used to top a homemade pizza, for baked eggs or serve with a lovely cut of meat or fish.

So before you are tempted on buying and using that ready-made jar of sauce, why not try to make it yourself. I can guarantee you will never touch one ever again when you realise what you have been missing out on.

PrintPrint

Simple tomato sauce (4 people)

  • 2 tins of peeled tomatoes or 1 litre of passata

  • 2 cloves of garlic

  • Salt

  • Sugar (optional)

  • Olive oil

  • Fresh Basil

  • Lemon zest (optional)

  • Pasta tomato sauce
    Peeled tomatoes, garlic, salt and sugar.
  • Pasta tomato sauce
    Cook for 30 minutes
  • Pasta tomato sauce
    Add grated cheese
  • Pasta tomato sauce
    Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil
  • Pasta tomato sauce
    Add sauce to cooked pasta
  • Pasta tomato sauce
    Pasta tomato sauce
PrintPrint

Directions

  • Add the tomatoes whole to a sauce pan, and add the garlic whole, a good pinch of salt. Add some sugar if your brand of tomatoes are quite bitter. the sugar will help bring out the sweetness of the tomato. If using tinned peeled tomatoes, add 400ml of water.
    Cover and cook on a low/medium heat for 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, you don’t want it to dry out.
  • After 30 minutes, remove the lid and BREAK the tomatoes with the back of your wooden spoon. The sauce will have reduced down to delicious creamy consistency. At this point remove your garlic. Cook for another 15 minutes without the lid. Then take it off the heat and let it cool down.
  • In Puglia, they serve their tomato sauce with cheese, which is the opposite in Naples, Campania. It’s perceived as a food faux pas in those ends. In Puglia, they traditionally serve it with grated cacio ricotta (a cow and sheeps milk hard ricotta cheese), which you should be able found at you local Italian delicatessen. However, grated parmesan or pecorino gives the sauce a great flavour dimension. I like to add the cheese as soon as the sauce is cooked and stir it through. Or you can choose to sprinkle on top with your pasta.
  • Next, we add the fresh basil to the sauce and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Stir through.
  • Cook the pasta, drain, add to the tomato sauce and mix together until all the pasta is coated evenly. Finally, the secret ingredient (from the half Sicilian Geordie I recently went on a date with) is to finish the dish with grated unwaxed lemon zest. It brings all the flavours together and really uplifts the dish to something truly special.
TAGS:perfect tomato saucetomato sauce
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The Tiny Italian

Ciao, I’m Paola I’m Paola (The Tiny Italian). I'm an Italian food expert cook and teacher. I teach people to not only cook but teach them how to LOVE TO COOK. I help change peoples mindset by showing them that cooking is not only for 'FOODIES' and sharing the fun, stress-free side with recipes, tips and cooking experiences.

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Ciao, I’m Paola
Ciao, I’m Paola

Ciao, I’m Paola

I’m Paola (The Tiny Italian). I'm an Italian food expert, cook and teacher. Cooking doesn't come easy to everyone. However, I help you LEARN to LOVE to cook and eat better with EASY SEXY HEALTHY Italian RECIPES. Plus TIPS and HACKS to build your kitchen CONFIDENCE. Come cook with me at one of my fun stress free cooking classes or courses. It’s all about helping others BELIEVE IN THEIR OWN SAUCE!

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This is your invitation to come join the best online self care cooking community on the planet. SAUCY SOCIETY It’s a space for you to intentionally take part in fun delicious mindful self care cooking. It’s a space to help rediscover your cooking mojo and transform your cooking relationship. When you are busy it’s hard to find time for yourself. However when you change your mindset about something you do everyday I.e. cooking, you can turn what feels like a chore into the self care you need to reward yourself after a hectic day. For more info head to my website (link under my bio) or drop me a DM on here or email me paola@thetinyitalian.com #cookinglife #cookingday #selfcareeveryday #selfcareaccount #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter #onlinecookingclass #cookingcommunity
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Sharing your food around the table with your loved ones is one of cooking greatest gifts.
So by eliminating cooking with love you’re also eliminating those connections.
The last few years has taught many of us what really is important and no matter how busy life gets it’s important to not take for granted those around us and spend time where we can… cos life is sometimes a little bit too short to spend time worrying about the sh*t that really doesn’t matter in life.
Love should always come first.
Paola ❤️
#eatatthetable #eatingathome #cookingathomeisfun #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #sharingfood #makingconnections
thetinyitalian
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Follow
Sharing your food around the table with your loved ones is one of cooking greatest gifts. So by eliminating cooking with love you’re also eliminating those connections. The last few years has taught many of us what really is important and no matter how busy life gets it’s important to not take for granted those around us and spend time where we can… cos life is sometimes a little bit too short to spend time worrying about the sh*t that really doesn’t matter in life. Love should always come first. Paola ❤️ #eatatthetable #eatingathome #cookingathomeisfun #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #sharingfood #makingconnections
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This is your invitation to come join the best online self care cooking community on the planet.
SAUCY SOCIETY
It’s a space for you to intentionally take part in fun delicious mindful self care cooking. It’s a space to help rediscover your cooking mojo and transform your cooking relationship. When you are busy it’s hard to find time for yourself. However when you change your mindset about something you do everyday I.e. cooking, you can turn what feels like a chore into the self care you need to reward yourself after a hectic day. 
For more info head to my website (link under my bio) or drop me a DM on here or email me paola@thetinyitalian.com
#cookinglife #cookingday #selfcareeveryday #selfcareaccount #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter #onlinecookingclass #cookingcommunity
thetinyitalian
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Follow
This is your invitation to come join the best online self care cooking community on the planet. SAUCY SOCIETY It’s a space for you to intentionally take part in fun delicious mindful self care cooking. It’s a space to help rediscover your cooking mojo and transform your cooking relationship. When you are busy it’s hard to find time for yourself. However when you change your mindset about something you do everyday I.e. cooking, you can turn what feels like a chore into the self care you need to reward yourself after a hectic day. For more info head to my website (link under my bio) or drop me a DM on here or email me paola@thetinyitalian.com #cookinglife #cookingday #selfcareeveryday #selfcareaccount #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter #onlinecookingclass #cookingcommunity
1 day ago
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Sharing your food around the table with your loved ones is one of cooking greatest gifts.
So by eliminating cooking with love you’re also eliminating those connections.
The last few years has taught many of us what really is important and no matter how busy life gets it’s important to not take for granted those around us and spend time where we can… cos life is sometimes a little bit too short to spend time worrying about the sh*t that really doesn’t matter in life.
Love should always come first.
Paola ❤️
#eatatthetable #eatingathome #cookingathomeisfun #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #sharingfood #makingconnections
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
Sharing your food around the table with your loved ones is one of cooking greatest gifts. So by eliminating cooking with love you’re also eliminating those connections. The last few years has taught many of us what really is important and no matter how busy life gets it’s important to not take for granted those around us and spend time where we can… cos life is sometimes a little bit too short to spend time worrying about the sh*t that really doesn’t matter in life. Love should always come first. Paola ❤️ #eatatthetable #eatingathome #cookingathomeisfun #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #sharingfood #makingconnections
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SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING. 
This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day. 
It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day.  You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients:
Peas
Spinach
Leeks
Pancetta
Gnocchi 
Lemon
Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese)
Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does. 
Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I  only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one. 
Anywhere enjoy guys. 
Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas. 
#easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
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SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING. This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day. It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day. You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients: Peas Spinach Leeks Pancetta Gnocchi Lemon Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese) Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does. Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one. Anywhere enjoy guys. Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas. #easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
5 days ago
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Cooking can calm your mind.
However for some cooking can be so stressful and l may actively avoid it as it feels too much to do after a long busy day.
However over the years I have practised fun mindful cooking. Yes I did say Fun. 😂💃🏻
It takes time but it’s all about changing your mindset and attitude when it comes to cooking. Plus there are some practises that can help to calm your mind down and reduce the stress cooking can cause you. 
Instead of feeling like a chore it can help you  relax after a long busy day. It can help you focus on something else and forget about everything you have had to deal with that day. Plus you get to reward yourself with a delicious meal cooked with love. It’s the best feeling after a crazy busy day.
Working on something fun and helpful for you, but if you currently find cooking difficult or stressful would you mind sharing in the comment lor Dm me what is the main thing that makes it difficult for you. And I’ll take that into consideration when putting my new project together.
We will get this nation with love and your input will help make that change. 
#selfcaretip #cookinglove #mindfulcooking #selfcarecooking #wellnesslifestyle #busymomlife #businessownerlife #eatbetterfeelbetter #cookwithlove #cookingteacher #selfcareeveryday #selfcarehacks #selflovematters #mindfulnessmatters
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
Cooking can calm your mind. However for some cooking can be so stressful and l may actively avoid it as it feels too much to do after a long busy day. However over the years I have practised fun mindful cooking. Yes I did say Fun. 😂💃🏻 It takes time but it’s all about changing your mindset and attitude when it comes to cooking. Plus there are some practises that can help to calm your mind down and reduce the stress cooking can cause you. Instead of feeling like a chore it can help you relax after a long busy day. It can help you focus on something else and forget about everything you have had to deal with that day. Plus you get to reward yourself with a delicious meal cooked with love. It’s the best feeling after a crazy busy day. Working on something fun and helpful for you, but if you currently find cooking difficult or stressful would you mind sharing in the comment lor Dm me what is the main thing that makes it difficult for you. And I’ll take that into consideration when putting my new project together. We will get this nation with love and your input will help make that change. #selfcaretip #cookinglove #mindfulcooking #selfcarecooking #wellnesslifestyle #busymomlife #businessownerlife #eatbetterfeelbetter #cookwithlove #cookingteacher #selfcareeveryday #selfcarehacks #selflovematters #mindfulnessmatters
6 days ago
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LETS GET THE NATION COOKING WITH LOVE. 
My mission is to help this nation of busy people to slow down where possible. Help transform their cooking relationship so that they can embrace the joys of mindful  home cooking as an easy accessible fun source of self care.
From personal experience when you’re busy running your own business or your job is a priority for you it can be difficult to make time for yourself.  Whatever your body and mind needs.
Unfortunately that doesn’t get you anywhere good. You just get into a deeper hole of ‘I don’t have time’ or ‘that won’t make a difference really’ or ‘I can’t make time for myself’. Cooking food becomes harder. You start to resent it, stresses you out and bring bouts of overwhelm. 
I know because I was that person. On many occasions. When I worked in a corporate environment and when trying to build my own business. It’s easy to forget what’s more important and that’s your happiness, health and joy. 
There are so many waysto bring wellness into your life, but cooking is what really changed my life and I’m here to help you too if you want to easily translate your love of food at home. Lose your unhealthy emotions with cooking and instead create a positive fun relationship.
This post is filled with recipes to hopefully inspire you to want to cook a meal that makes you feel good this coming week. I know it can’t be easy every day but making a small step in the right direction makes all the difference to how you feel. 
Sign up to my free newsletter for more mindful self care cooking tips and inspo. Link in bio. 
Paola
#homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter #selfcarelove #mindfulcooking #wellnesstips
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
LETS GET THE NATION COOKING WITH LOVE. My mission is to help this nation of busy people to slow down where possible. Help transform their cooking relationship so that they can embrace the joys of mindful home cooking as an easy accessible fun source of self care. From personal experience when you’re busy running your own business or your job is a priority for you it can be difficult to make time for yourself. Whatever your body and mind needs. Unfortunately that doesn’t get you anywhere good. You just get into a deeper hole of ‘I don’t have time’ or ‘that won’t make a difference really’ or ‘I can’t make time for myself’. Cooking food becomes harder. You start to resent it, stresses you out and bring bouts of overwhelm. I know because I was that person. On many occasions. When I worked in a corporate environment and when trying to build my own business. It’s easy to forget what’s more important and that’s your happiness, health and joy. There are so many waysto bring wellness into your life, but cooking is what really changed my life and I’m here to help you too if you want to easily translate your love of food at home. Lose your unhealthy emotions with cooking and instead create a positive fun relationship. This post is filled with recipes to hopefully inspire you to want to cook a meal that makes you feel good this coming week. I know it can’t be easy every day but making a small step in the right direction makes all the difference to how you feel. Sign up to my free newsletter for more mindful self care cooking tips and inspo. Link in bio. Paola #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter #selfcarelove #mindfulcooking #wellnesstips
7 days ago
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5/5
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