Sugo (Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce)

Sugo Sauce in a dutch oven with a wooden spoon and fresh basil.

Sugo (Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce)

Sugo, a quintessential Italian tomato sauce, is a rich and aromatic sauce make with just a few simple ingredients such as whole tomatoes, garlic, and basil. This Italian recipe for sugo sauce is simmered over low heat to concentrate the tomato flavor and seasonings.

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Keyword Sauce, Tomato

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Servings cups

Calories 102kcal

Author Darcey Olson

Cost $7.00

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup diced onion, small dice *Note 1
¼ cup hand-torn fresh basil leaves
1 tsp minced garlic
28 oz can San Marzano whole tomatoes *Note 2
7 cups water
⅛ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp kosher salt, + more to taste *Note 3

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS

½ tsp sugar *Note 4
½ tsp dried oregano *Note 5

Instructions

Add the olive oil to a dutch oven and pre-heat over medium heat. Add the onions and saute until translucent. Add the basil and sauté for 1 minute. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
2 tbsp olive oil, ½ cup diced onion, small dice, ¼ cup hand-torn fresh basil leaves, 1 tsp minced garlic
Add the tomatoes, water, black pepper and oregano (if using) and bring to a light boil. Partially cover with the lid and reduce heat to a low simmer. Stir occasionally and use a wooden spoon to help break down the whole tomatoes.
28 oz can San Marzano whole tomatoes, 7 cups water, ⅛ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp dried oregano
Simmer for 45-60 minutes, until reduced. Taste and add salt and sugar, to taste.
¼ tsp kosher salt, + more to taste, ½ tsp sugar

Notes

Note 1 - Make sure to use a very small dice so the onion texture and flavor blend with the sauce and remains un-chunky.

Note 2 - Make sure to use authentic San Marzano whole tomatoes to keep the authentic flavor of the sugo sauce.

Note 3 - Wait until the sauce is reduced to add any salt to avoid over-salting.

Note 4 - Add sugar if your tomatoes are too acidic or have a mineral flavor from the can.

Note 5 - Not mandatory to make authentic Sugo, but it does add some extra flavor.

Nutrition