How to Make Easy Pasta Sauce Like An Italian

"You don't cook the sauce?" We wondered as we were instructed by Emiko Davies, a chef from Florence, Italy about how to create the perfect Pomodoro crudo. Pomodoro crudo is Italian for "raw", or uncooked in this case, tomato. When we think of tomato sauce, we think of a thick, stewy sauce. Pomodoro crudo is more of a chunky, natural, topping that is both tasty and refreshing.

 About twenty of us were situated around a rustic wooden table on a farm and restaurant called Fattoria Poggio Alloro, near San Gimignano, Italy, coated in flour from our pici pasta rolling. Little did I know, I was about to learn the most invaluable recipe for fresh, summery tomato sauce. Now, you are able to make this 6 ingredient Pomodoro crudo in the time it takes for you to say delizioso!

Pomodoro Crudo

• Prep Time:5 mins
• Cook Time:30 mins
• Total Time:35 mins
• Servings:3
• Easy

Ingredients

• 2.5 Cups Pasta
• 1lb 12oz Whole Peeled Tomatoes OR 6-8 Overripe Tomatoes Peeled
• 3-4 Basil Leaves
• 3 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Clove Garlic Minced
• Salt and Pepper to Taste

• Step 1

  Cook and drain pasta of choice. (About 8-9 minutes for aldente.)

  

• Step 2

  (While pasta cooks) Prepare peeled tomatoes. If you are using overripe tomatoes with the peel, score an 'X' shape on the bottom. Prepare a pot of boiling water, and place tomatoes in water for about 20 seconds in order to blanch them, and make it easier to peel. Dice all peeled tomatoes, and place them in a large bowl.

  

• Step 3

  Add olive oil (3 tbsp. recommended) to bowl.

  

• Step 4

  Tear up basil leaves with hands and add to bowl. Metal from knife will cause basil to brown quickly.

  

• Step 5

  Finely mince garlic and add to bowl.

  

• Step 6

  Add salt and pepper to taste. The salt draws out moisture from tomatoes, so the more salt, the more watery your sauce will be.

  

• Step 7

  Stir sauce to evenly distribute ingredients.

  

• Step 8

  Cover with plastic wrap and let chill for 30 minutes. In the meantime, drain pasta and let cool.

  

• Step 9

  Serve over your favorite pasta!

  

• Step 10

  Add preferred cheese on top, freshly grated parmesan is best.

  

Enjoy an authentic taste of Italy in your own home! The dish pairs well with a baguette, but if you're truly eating like a Tuscan, try Pane Toscano; bread made without salt.