【Ingredients】
– Granulated sugar: 1 teaspoon (approx. 5g)
– Salt: 1 teaspoon (approx. 5g)
– Roma tomatoes: 3.5 pounds (approx. 1.59kg)
– Basil: 0.5 oz (approx. 14g), stems included
– Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 5.25 fl oz (approx. 155ml)
– Canola Oil: 5.25 fl oz (approx. 155ml)
– Peeled garlic cloves: 0.25 lb (approx. 113 g)
– Coarsely chopped canned tomatoes: 3/4 cup (approx. 180 ml)
– Canned tomato paste: 1¼ cups (approx. 300 ml)
【Preparation Steps】
1. Prepare the aromatics: Place garlic cloves, basil leaves (leaves picked off, stems reserved), and a small amount of olive oil into a food processor. Blend into a smooth paste and set aside.
2. Roast tomatoes to lock in flavor: Wash Roma tomatoes and arrange them flat on a baking sheet. Place in an oven preheated to 425°F (approx. 218°C) and roast for 40-50 minutes. Ideally, the tomatoes should be lightly browned on the surface, with wrinkled skins that peel off easily. The tomato juice in the baking sheet should be clear and not burnt—this juice is the flavor core and must be retained. Remove the tomatoes and let cool to room temperature.
3. Puree the tomatoes: Place the cooled tomatoes (with their juices) into a food processor. Blend until smooth, then set aside.
4. Infuse the oil: In a medium skillet, pour in all the remaining olive oil and canola oil. Add the prepared spice paste. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to fully infuse the oil with spice flavors. This takes about 10-20 minutes. Remove from heat once garlic turns light golden brown and releases oil (avoid burning, which causes bitterness). Continue stirring for 2 minutes off heat to lock in aromas with residual warmth.
5. Combine and Simmer into Sauce: Carefully pour the tomato puree, coarsely ground canned tomatoes, and concentrated canned tomatoes into the hot spiced oil (be mindful of splattering). Stir thoroughly, then return to medium-high heat. Season with salt and granulated sugar. Once the sauce comes to a boil, reduce heat to low and maintain a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to fully integrate the flavors. Adjust salt and sugar to taste during cooking as needed.
