Traditional Italian Tomato Sauce (Sugo al Pomodoro)

This traditional Italian tomato sauce is all about simplicity. With just olive oil, tomatoes, fresh basil, and Borsari Original Blend, this sugo lets quality ingredients shine. No sugar. No shortcuts. Just authentic flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (try Borsari Olive Oil)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped or 2 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
• 1 (28 oz) can high-quality crushed tomatoes
• 1½ tsp Borsari Original Blend
• Fresh basil leaves
• Optional: freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion or garlic and cook gently until soft and fragrant. Do not brown.
2. Add crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.
3. Season with Borsari Original Blend.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat and finish with fresh basil. Add black pepper only if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Sauce

• Add Borsari once, near the beginning. Its infused sea salt and herbs are designed to dissolve slowly and season the sauce evenly as it simmers.
• Use onion OR garlic - not both. This keeps the flavor clean and traditional.
• Let the tomatoes lead. A traditional sugo should taste like tomatoes first, herbs second.

• A traditional sugo should taste like tomatoes first, herbs second.
• Add basil at the end. Heat dulls fresh herbs — finishing preserves their aroma.
• No sugar needed. Proper simmering naturally balances acidity.

Serve with spaghetti or linguine and finish with olive oil and Parmigiano Reggiano.