Grandpa Joe's
Florentine Tomato Sauce

This is one of the most delicious recipes in my Italian collection.

About this recipe

This is another of my favorites.  The recipe is inspired by a sauce I experienced years ago at Il Latini Ristorante in Florence.  It's sweetness comes entirely from the caramelized onions.  Mille grazie to the chef there for sharing some of his secrets!

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces Spanish onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 29 ounces tomato puree
  • 12 ounces tomato paste
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
  • 4 teaspoons dried basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Using a 3-quart, heavy-bottomed pot, sauté the onions in olive oil until they are caramelized (i.e., soft and brown), or for about twenty minutes.  Add a tablespoon of water, if necessary, to prevent sticking.
  2. Add a cup of water and deglaze the pot thoroughly.  Using an immersion blender (or conventional blender), puree the onions.
  3. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.  Simmer over low heat, covered, for two hours.
  4. Serve over your favorite pasta (cooked in salted boiling water).
Posted: February 2014.