Dive into the simplicity and elegance of Marcella Hazan’s Sugo Fresco di Pomodoro, a timeless Italian tomato sauce crafted with just four ingredients: ripe fresh tomatoes or quality canned ones, silky unsalted butter, a halved yellow onion, and a touch of salt. This no-fuss recipe epitomizes authentic Italian cooking, requiring minimal prep and allowing the natural flavors to shine through after a slow, gentle simmer. In just under an hour, this velvety, aromatic sauce transforms into pure comfort, perfect for generously coating your favorite pasta or gnocchi. Whether you're chasing the essence of summer with fresh tomatoes or leaning into the convenience of canned, this classic dish proves that the best flavors come from simplicity.
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If using fresh tomatoes, rinse and trim them, then blanch in boiling water for 1 minute. Peel and chop them into chunks.
Add the fresh or canned tomatoes to a medium-sized saucepan.
Place the butter and the halved onion into the saucepan with the tomatoes.
Add the salt and stir gently to combine.
Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Use a wooden spoon to crush the tomatoes against the sides of the saucepan as they soften.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the onion halves and discard them or use them for another dish.
Serve the sauce immediately over your favorite pasta or gnocchi. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving size | (1026g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 714 |
Total Fat 61.7g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 35g | 0% |
Cholesterol 155mg | 0% |
Sodium 2415.5mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 45.2g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 12.2g | 0% |
Total Sugars 27.2g | |
Protein 9.3g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 122.3mg | 0% |
Iron 2.7mg | 0% |
Potassium 2129.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories