Sugo 

(Classic Italian Tomato Sauce)


Sugo is the Italian word for "sauce," but it often refers specifically to a slow-cooked tomato sauce. This simple yet flavorful sauce is a staple in Italian cooking. Made with olive oil, onions, garlic, and crushed tomatoes, sugo simmers to thicken and concentrate its taste. Fresh basil adds a final touch of fragrant herbiness. Sugo is incredibly versatile, tossed with pasta, gnocchi, or used as a base for lasagna, eggplant parmesan, and more.


Ingredients:


2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oilexpand_more

1 onion, finely choppedexpand_more

4 cloves garlic, mincedexclamation

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

½ cup chicken broth (optional)exclamation

¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to tasteexpand_more


Instructions:


  • Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
  • Simmer with tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes, breaking them up slightly with a spoon. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add ½ cup of chicken broth for a thinner consistency.exclamation Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Simmer and thicken: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover partially.expand_more Simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer you simmer, the thicker the sauce will become.expand_more.
  • Finish with basil: Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove from heat and stir in the torn basil leaves.
  • Serve and enjoy: Serve your sugo over cooked pasta, gnocchi, or use it as a base for lasagna, eggplant parmesan, or other Italian dishes.


Tips:


  • For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the olive oil with butter when sautéing the onion and garlic.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to partially puree the sauce after simmering.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
  • You can customize your sugo by adding other ingredients like chopped carrots, celery, or pancetta.