Delia Smith Tomato Sauce

Delve into the simplicity and elegance of Delia Smith's Classic Fresh Tomato Sauce, a testament to the beauty of ripe tomatoes transformed into a rich, flavorful sauce. Ideal for enhancing your pasta dishes, this sauce captures the essence of fresh tomatoes, creating a culinary experience that celebrates the fruit's natural sweetness and vibrant flavor.

Cultural or Historical Context Tomato sauce is a staple in cuisines worldwide, especially in Italian cooking, where it forms the backbone of countless dishes. Delia Smith's rendition of this classic pays homage to the power of simplicity, emphasizing the importance of quality ingredients and careful cooking. It reflects a culinary philosophy where the natural flavors of the ingredients are allowed to shine.

Ingredients List for the Classic Fresh Tomato Sauce

• Fresh, red, ripe tomatoes: 1.15 kg
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• Medium onion (about 110g), peeled and finely chopped
• Fat clove of garlic, peeled and crushed
• Large fresh basil leaves: approximately 12
• Salt and freshly milled black pepper
• Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano) for serving

Preparation Instructions

1. Begin by roughly chopping the tomatoes. Heat olive oil in a casserole or a large pan and gently cook the chopped onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes and a portion of the basil leaves, season with salt and pepper, and allow the mixture to simmer uncovered on low heat. The goal is to reduce the mixture to a thick, jam-like consistency, stirring occasionally.
3. Once reduced, blend the sauce lightly, leaving some texture, and stir in the remaining basil. Serve over freshly cooked pasta, topped with freshly grated Parmesan.

Storage and Reheating

This tomato sauce not only tastes better the next day but also freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead option for quick, flavorful meals. To store, cool the sauce and transfer it to an airtight container; it can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently, adding a little water if the sauce seems too thick.

Nutritional Information

Tomato sauce is low in calories but rich in vitamins C and K, potassium, and antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which has been linked to several health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.

FAQ about the Classic Fresh Tomato Sauce

• Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh? Fresh tomatoes are recommended for their flavor, but high-quality canned tomatoes can be used outside the tomato season.
• How can I achieve a smoother sauce? For a smoother consistency, blend the sauce thoroughly after cooking.
• Can this sauce be used for pizza? Absolutely, its rich flavor makes it an excellent base for pizza.

Delia Smith's approach to the Classic Fresh Tomato Sauce is a reminder of how a few quality ingredients, when treated with respect and care, can produce a dish far greater than the sum of its parts. Serve this sauce with your favorite pasta for a meal that's both comforting and delightfully simple.

Original recipe by Delia Smith, renowned for her ability to demystify cooking and make it accessible to all, can be found detailed on her official website, Delia Online​​​​​​.