At Partenope Ristorante in Dallas, Texas, our authentic Italian tomato sauce is the secret to many of our specialties. Handed down from generation to generation, our traditional recipe keeps customers coming back repeatedly.
All-Natural Ingredients
The allure of a truly authentic Italian tomato sauce lies not just in its taste but in its ability to transport diners to the sun-drenched kitchens of Italy. Contrary to popular belief, good Italian tomato sauce does not require a long list of ingredients or spending an entire day in front of a hot stove. The key to this flavor is the use of all-natural ingredients.
All-natural ingredients, sourced from the heart of Italy, bring a depth and complexity to tomato sauce that simply cannot be replicated with products that contain artificial additives or preservatives.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Tomato Sauce
Known in Italian as Pomodoro sauce, tomato sauce is one of the first recipes Italian cooks learn to master at home. Bringing families together is the heart of Italian cuisine.
Five main ingredients are essential for authentic Italian tomato sauce.
Sun-Ripened San Marzano Tomatoes
Juicy, red tomatoes are at the heart of any Italian tomato sauce. The absolute best are the San Marzano sun-ripened tomatoes that are grown in the Campania region outside Naples which is known for their ideal soil conditions and climate. With their rich flavor and unbeatable sweetness, Italian-grown tomatoes have a more robust flavor than the greenhouse variety.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Much more than just a cooking ingredient, extra virgin olive oil plays a primary role in Italian cuisine. Fruity, with a slightly bitter flavor, it’s high smoke point makes it the ideal oil for sautéing fresh ingredients like garlic and onions. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and complexity to tomato sauce that cannot be replicated using other oils.
At the restaurant, we use high-quality extra virgin olive oil that is cold-pressed with a low acidity.
Garlic
Garlic is crucial to authentic Italian tomato sauce. Not only does it complement the tomatoes’ sweetness and acidity, but it also lends its pungent, earthy flavor to the sauce. You can add as much or as little garlic as you like, but honestly, at least six cloves are a good starting point for a delicious pot of sauce.
Roasted garlic can be used instead of fresh for a garlic flavor that’s a bit more mellow.
Fresh Herbs
Some combination of fresh basil and fresh oregano is typically added to Italian tomato sauce. These herbs are classic choices that impart a bright, herbaceous aroma and a refreshing counterpoint to the other ingredients.
Herbs should be added when the sauce is finished cooking, as overcooking them can make them turn bitter.
Salt, Pepper, and a Splash of Red Wine
Finally, salt and pepper, to taste, enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. You can use chili pepper, peperoncino, or black pepper. If the sauce is being used for a meat-based dish, a splash of red wine can add a depth of flavor.
The Importance of Using All-Natural Ingredients in Tomato Sauce
We can’t stress this enough! All-natural ingredients are what make authentic Italian tomato sauce taste so good. It’s more than just a matter of taste, however. It’s a commitment to authenticity, tradition, and the appreciation of good food.
At Partenope Ristorante, we use only the freshest all-natural ingredients for the tomato sauce we use on our pizzas and pasta dishes.
Stop in Today to Try Our All-Natural Tomato Sauce and Food!
For a taste of our all-natural tomato sauce and authentic Neapolitan dishes, visit Partenope Ristorante today. With locations in Dallas and Richardson, Texas, we offer a cozy, traditional Italian environment where you’re treated like family.