Tips & Techniques: How to Make Tomato Sauce

Name: Tips & Techniques: How to Make Red Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 each 29 oz can Ciao San Marzano Tomatoes; 2 tbsp Texas Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 2 cloves garlic, crushed, peeled; 1 tbsp Cattleman’s Grill Italiano Seasoning; 1 tbsp pesto; 2 tbsp heavy cream

Jan 02, 2025 • Tom Jackson

For today's Tips & Techniques, we'll be discussing how to make red sauce. To make a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, blend a 29 oz can of Ciao San Marzano tomatoes, 2 tbsp of Texas Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 2 crushed garlic cloves, 1 tbsp of Cattleman’s Grill Italiano Seasoning, and 1 tbsp of pesto in a Vitamix Blender until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a Lodge Enameled Dutch Oven, bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and cook until the sauce reaches your desired consistency, stirring occasionally. Once thickened, stir in 2 tbsp of heavy cream to finish the sauce.

Tips & Techniques: How to Make Red Sauce

Tom Jackson

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Cuisine

Italian

Servings

4

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Calories

142

Whip up a tomato sauce that’s as smooth as it is irresistible! Start by blending those magic San Marzano tomatoes with a splash of olive oil, a punch of garlic, some zesty Italian seasoning, and a dollop of pesto. Let it simmer away in your trusty Dutch oven until it thickens just right, then stir in a swirl of heavy cream for that extra creamy, dreamy finish. It’s the kind of sauce that’ll make everything you drizzle it on taste like a masterpiece!

Ingredients

1 each 29 oz can Ciao San Marzano Tomatoes
2 tbsp Texas Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed, peeled
1 tbsp Cattleman’s Grill Italiano Seasoning
1 tbsp pesto
2 tbsp heavy cream

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Directions

Combine all ingredients, except the cream, in the Vitamix Blender. Blend until smooth.
Pour the sauce into a Lodge Enameled Dutch Oven. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and cook to desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
When the sauce is thickened, add the cream and stir to combine.

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Recipe Note

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Creamy Cajun Pasta with Blackened Chicken

Recipe Highlights and Insights:

Making homemade pasta sauce is a tradition steeped in love, patience, and the joy of sharing meals with family. It’s a ritual passed down through generations, often filled with stories and laughter around the kitchen table. In Italian households especially, Sunday sauce (or "sugo" or "gravy," depending on the region or family) is more than just food—it's a symbol of togetherness.

The process often starts with selecting the best ingredients, such as ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and high-quality olive oil. Every family has its own cherished recipe, with variations that might include garlic, onions, wine, or meat. The sauce is typically slow-cooked for hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, filling the home with a comforting aroma that signals something special is being prepared.

This tradition is as much about the process as it is about the result. It’s a time to slow down, connect with loved ones, and honor the art of cooking. Whether you're stirring the pot, tasting as you go, or passing down family secrets, making pasta sauce is a celebration of culture, history, and the simple pleasures of life.