Actor Stanley Tucci has recently shared his simple yet flavorful tomato sauce recipe, perfect for any home cook looking for a go-to sauce. Tucci’s technique involves a few key steps that build layers of flavor and create a versatile sauce that can be used for a variety of dishes.
Tucci’s hack for removing seeds from tomatoes is both easy and effective. By cutting the tomatoes in half, placing them in a bowl of water, and then squeezing the fruit, all the seeds are easily removed. This method ensures a smooth sauce without the hassle of deseeding each tomato individually.
After prepping the tomatoes, Tucci sautés Tropea onions, yellow onions, and garlic in olive oil until they begin to soften. He then adds the fresh tomatoes to the pan, generously salts them, and cooks them down until they start to break down. Tucci also recommends using an immersion blender to break up the tough skins of old tomatoes, but this step can be skipped for fresh tomatoes with a more tender exterior.
To further enhance the flavor of the sauce, Tucci adds two cans of whole, peeled Campania tomatoes, torn basil leaves, and another pinch of salt. He crushes the whole tomatoes with a wooden spoon and lets the sauce simmer on the stove, with or without the lid, depending on the desired flavor intensity.
Once the sauce reaches the desired texture and depth of flavor, Tucci finishes it off with a drizzle of olive oil and some additional basil. The simplicity of this recipe allows for endless possibilities in terms of how the sauce can be used. Tucci suggests adding shrimp, peas, guanciale, or pepperoncino to the sauce, or using it as a base for various dishes like pasta or beans.
With Tucci’s easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a delicious and versatile tomato sauce that will become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful sauce to elevate your dishes, Tucci’s tomato sauce is sure to impress.
