• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
First...you have a beer
  • Home
  • It's Me
    • Privacy Policy
  • Recipes
  • Lagniappe
  • Contact Me
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • It's Me
    • Privacy Policy
  • Recipes
  • Lagniappe
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Main Dishes

    Essential Tomato Sauce

    Published: Aug 10, 2017 · Modified: Jan 25, 2021 · By: Sweet Daddy D · with Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

    102 shares

    Recipe

    Tomato Sauce

    Sweet Daddy D's Essential Tomato Sauce

    A long simmer makes this is a thick and rich sauce-you can keep it simple and serve over your favorite pasta or match it up with just about any meat. Its the natural mate for Sweet Daddy D's Tasty Meatballs, but if you start with this sauce there are many options. It can also be the base for some great parmigiana dishes-its the essential tomato sauce!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Author: Sweet Daddy D
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Here's What You Need

    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 large yellow onion chopped
    • 1 small green pepper chopped
    • 4 - 5 cloves garlic chopped
    • 12 ounces tomato paste
    • 28 ounces whole tomatoes in sauce
    • 16 ounces Tomato Sauce
    • 3 tablespoons sugar
    • 1 cup dry red wine

    Herb and Spice Blend

    • 1 teaspoon Oregano
    • 1 teaspoon Basil
    • ½ teaspoon Thyme
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 bay leaves

    Here's What You Do

    • To prepare, mix the herb and spice blend in a small bowl and set aside. Place the sugar in a separate small bowl and set aside. Chop the onion and pepper and set aside. Chop the garlic. Open all the cans and get the wine ready.
    • Heat the olive oil in a large dutch oven with a heavy lid over a medium low heat.
    • Once the oil begins to shimmer, sauté the onions and pepper until starting to caramelize, this should take about 15 minutes but don't rush it.
    • Add the garlic and sauté for about a minute or two until it is aromatic.
    • Add in the tomato paste, stirring constantly to begin browning the paste a little. This could take about 5 minutes, but again don't rush it. If needed, use a little, but not all, of the wine to deglaze the pan.
    • Add in the herb and spice blend and stir together to mix.
    • Take the whole tomatoes and add them one at a time, crushing each tomato in your hand as you add it. When all the tomatoes are added, add the juice from the can and the tomato sauce. Mix well.
    • Use the wine to rinse out the tomato cans, then add the wine to the pot.
    • Mix all ingredients well and bring to a low boil. Reduce to a slow simmer and cover pot. Simmer covered for three hours, stirring occasionally so it does not stick.
    • Remove the bay leaves and serve over your favorite pasta.

    Recipe Notes

    This is a basic tomato sauce. You can add ground meat, sausage, Sweet Daddy D's Tasty Meatballs, or even a chuck or veal roast, but it does do very well by itself served over pasta.
    « Charred Green Beans with Herbs
    Creole Vinaigrette »
    102 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Have a Comment or a Question? Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    It's Me!

    Louisiana is a wonderful place where the rich cultural heritage enriches and entertains. I'm Sweet Daddy D and glad you found my website. I look forward to exploring the cultural mosaic of Louisiana with you... read the "It's Me" page to find out more about me and this website...

    Have My Recipes and Articles Delivered Right to Your Inbox

    Privacy Policy

    NOW AVAILABLE!

    Follow Me on Social Media!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Most Popular Posts

    mirliton shrimp dressing on a blue green plate

    Mirliton and Shrimp Dressing

    green beans smothered with potatoes, ham and bacon in a white bowl

    Smothered Green Beans and Potatoes-Cajun Style

    close-up of crawfish monica

    Crawfish Monica

    stuffed artichoke casserole topped with lemon slices in a baking dish

    Stuffed Artichoke Casserole

    Copyright © 2024 • SDD Enterprises, LLC • All rights reserved.

    Search this Site

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Copyright © 2025 • SDD Enterprises, LLC • All rights reserved

    Join our Email list

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    About

    • It's Me!
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

    Search this Site

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    102 shares
    102 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.