Simple Tomato Sauce

Name: Simple Tomato Sauce
Yield: 7 to 8 cups of sauce
Ingredients: 8 cups (two 35-ounce cans) canned San Marzano or other Italian plum tomatoes, with juices; 1 large onion, chopped in small pieces; 1 medium carrot, chopped in small pieces; 1 inner rib celery, chopped in small pieces; 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; 2 cups water; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon dried peperoncino (hot red pepper flakes); 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional, after tasting); A rotary food mill with a medium puréeing disk; A heavy-bottomed saucepan, 6 quarts or larger, with cover

December 14, 2011

I don’t call this sauce “simple” because it is dull in any way. It is a wonderful sauce, lightly textured but richly flavored, sweet and tangy like good tomatoes, and so versatile that I consider it a kitchen staple, one of the sauces that I always have in the freezer. All you need are canned tomatoes; a small amount of onion, carrot, and celery; and salt, peperoncino flakes, and two bay leaves. Then the sauce should mellow for a few hours if possible before using.

Recipe notes

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.