Which Canned Whole Tomatoes Make the Best Sauce?
Which Canned Whole Tomatoes Make the Best Sauce? is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by America's Test Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 14 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 44 min
Cost: $6.83 total, $1.71 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cans Whole Peeled Tomatoes (28‑oz cans, peeled, packed in juice)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin recommended)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 0.25 cup Fresh Basil (loosely packed, chopped)
- 0.125 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (pinch to balance acidity)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (kosher or sea salt, to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
Instructions
Open and Drain Tomatoes
Use a can opener to open the cans. Drain the juice into a bowl (reserve a few tablespoons for adjusting sauce consistency) and set the tomatoes aside.
Time: PT5M
Roughly Chop Tomatoes
Using a chef's knife, break the whole tomatoes into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT5M
Heat Olive Oil
Place the saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Sauté Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Add Tomatoes
Stir the chopped tomatoes (with reserved juice) into the pan.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Season Lightly
Add the pinch of sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Time: PT30S
Simmer Sauce
Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: low simmer
Finish with Basil
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and cook for another minute.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: low
Taste and Serve
Taste the sauce, adjust seasoning if needed, then serve over pasta, pizza, or your favorite dish.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 3g
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Fat
- 5g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Allergens: None
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Whole Peeled Tomatoes: Whole canned plum tomatoes, Canned crushed tomatoes (adjust water)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, Vegetable oil
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Basil: Dried basil (1 tsp)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey (tiny drizzle)
Equipment Needed
- Large Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Can Opener
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Open and drain the canned tomatoes properly to avoid excess liquid.
- Sauté garlic without burning to prevent bitterness.
- Simmer the sauce long enough for the tomatoes to break down and develop flavor.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality extra‑virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- A tiny pinch of sugar is key to balancing acidity without making the sauce sweet.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the sauce with an immersion blender after simmering.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too watery.
Continue simmering uncovered to evaporate excess liquid, or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Sauce is too thick.
Add a splash of the reserved tomato juice, water, or broth to reach desired consistency.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Not recommended; keep refrigerated after cooking.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months; reheat gently on low heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Simple Tomato Sauce in Italian cuisine?
Simple tomato sauce, or "sugo al pomodoro," is a cornerstone of Italian home cooking, dating back to the 18th century when tomatoes were first cultivated in Italy. It embodies the Italian philosophy of letting a few high‑quality ingredients shine, and it serves as the base for countless regional dishes.
What are the traditional regional variations of Simple Tomato Sauce in Italian cuisine?
In the north, the sauce often includes butter and fresh herbs like sage, while in the south, extra‑virgin olive oil, garlic, and fresh basil dominate. Some regions add a splash of red wine or anchovies for depth, but the core remains tomatoes, oil, and aromatics.
How is Simple Tomato Sauce traditionally served in Italy?
It is traditionally tossed with al dente pasta such as spaghetti or penne, spooned over gnocchi, used as a base for pizza, or simmered with meatballs and vegetables for hearty stews. Freshly grated Parmigiano‑Reggiano is often added at the table.
What occasions or celebrations is Simple Tomato Sauce traditionally associated with in Italian culture?
Simple tomato sauce appears at everyday family meals, but it also features in holiday feasts like Christmas Eve "Feast of the Seven Fishes" where it dresses seafood pasta, and during summer festivals when fresh basil is abundant.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Simple Tomato Sauce versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, extra‑virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, and basil. Acceptable substitutes are other high‑quality canned whole tomatoes, garlic powder (sparingly), and dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
What other Italian dishes pair well with Simple Tomato Sauce?
Simple tomato sauce pairs beautifully with classic dishes like spaghetti alla carbonara, eggplant parmigiana, chicken cacciatore, and baked ziti. It also works as a base for minestrone soup or as a topping for bruschetta.
What makes Simple Tomato Sauce special or unique in Italian cuisine?
Its simplicity lets the quality of the canned tomatoes shine, highlighting the balance of acidity, sweetness, and umami. The sauce showcases the Italian principle of "less is more" while still delivering depth of flavor.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Simple Tomato Sauce?
Common mistakes include burning the garlic, which adds bitterness, over‑cooking the sauce so it becomes dull, and using low‑quality canned tomatoes that lack flavor. Also, adding too much sugar can mask the natural tomato taste.
Why does this Simple Tomato Sauce recipe use a pinch of sugar instead of a larger amount?
A tiny pinch of sugar gently balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes without making the sauce sweet. Too much sugar would overwhelm the fresh tomato flavor and defeat the sauce's purpose as a versatile base.
Can I make Simple Tomato Sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to three days ahead and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze in portion‑size bags for up to three months; reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
What does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen specializes in rigorous, science‑based cooking tests, detailed recipe development, and equipment reviews, helping home cooks make informed decisions about ingredients and techniques.
How does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen's approach to Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?
America's Test Kitchen applies systematic testing, blind taste panels, and precise measurements to Italian recipes, focusing on reproducibility and ingredient performance rather than just showcasing flashy techniques.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
