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Flavorful Anchovy Tomato Sauce

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A quick and easy homemade tomato sauce enriched with anchovies for a secret depth of umami flavor. Perfect for pasta, bread, or as a versatile base for many dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 anchovy fillets packed in oil, finely chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth (optional, for thinning sauce)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add the finely chopped anchovy fillets and minced garlic. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until anchovies dissolve and garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and translucent.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor and thicken the sauce.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine all ingredients.
  6. Add red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, and black pepper. Hold off on salt initially.
  7. Lower heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water or vegetable broth if sauce becomes too thick.
  8. Tear in fresh basil leaves during the last 5 minutes of cooking and stir through.
  9. Taste the sauce and add salt if needed, adjusting carefully.
  10. Serve warm over pasta, as a pizza base, or as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.

Notes

If sauce tastes too sharp or acidic, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or simmer a few more minutes to smooth flavors. Avoid burning garlic by cooking on medium to medium-low heat. Anchovies add saltiness, so add salt cautiously. Sauce can be made in a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours for deeper flavor. Blitz with an immersion blender for a smoother texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: anchovy tomato sauce, easy tomato sauce, umami sauce, pasta sauce, homemade tomato sauce, quick sauce, anchovy recipe

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/flavorful-anchovy-tomato-sauce-recipe-easy-homemade-secret-depth/