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Tomato Sauce (Gordon Ramsay)

tomatosaucegordonramsayMichelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay has explained his way of turning the humble canned tomato into a meal to enjoy any day of the week. He uses pantry staple spices and herbs to create a delicious homemade sauce to accompany your pasta. And while it does take a bit of cooking time the preparation is done in minutes.

2 (28 oz) cans San Marzano tomatoes, peeled
1 large yellow onion, julienned
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
6 basil leaves, torn
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 cup red wine
⅛ cup extra-virgin olive oil
sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground

In a large stockpot, over medium low heat, add oil and warm thoroughly. Add julienned onions and season with salt and pepper. Sweat onions until soft and translucent, avoiding any scorching or colour (~ 10-12 minutes).

Add thinly sliced garlic, sweat for additional 3 minutes, being sure not to burn the garlic at all. Add torn basil leaves and allow to wilt (~ 2 minutes). Add the tomato paste and cook off for 3-5 minutes.

Turn the heat up to medium high; deglaze the pot with the red wine. Reduce by half about 3-5 minutes.

Return to the heat to medium low and add the San Marzano tomatoes. Cook on medium low heat for 90 minutes.

Remove the sauce from the heat and using an immersion blender or in small batches in a stand up blender, blend the sauce until desired consistency achieved.

Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembly:
Boil desired pasta according to pkg instructions. Be sure to salt your water.

Drain pasta and toss with marinara sauce that has been heated thoroughly.

Arrange in serving vessel, adding ricotta cheese and basil to the top of the pasta. Season the cheese with salt, black pepper and olive oil. Don’t have ricotta? Mozzarella and Parmesan are great substitutes also.

Don’t be afraid to add in ingredients like fresh tomatoes, spinach or grilled sausage.

Makes 2 quarts.

Cook's Notes:

  • Any canned tomato could work, I just prefer San Marzano because of their taste and their commitment to quality is comes with a Government certification.
  • If you don’t have fresh garlic or basil, raid your spices cabinet. As a general rule, use what you might like on a pizza; garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, fennel, celery salt, etc...
  • Adding red chili flakes with the basil is great if you like a little kick to your sauce.
  • This sauce can then be utilized as a base for several different dishes.