Last night I had the pleasure of having my friend Julia over to show me some of her delicious recipes. Julia is an amazing Italian cook. She can make leather taste good if she had to cook it! Her secret is simple, she cooks with only quality ingredients, like Pecorino Romano, good extra virgin olive oil and fresh herbs are all subtle differences that make food go from good to great. She always has on hand, a can of her own homemade filetto di pomodoro sauce she makes from scratch in the summer when tomatoes are at their peak and jars them to use throughout the year. She said she always has a jar in the fridge to incorporate into her weekly recipes. When not using fresh tomatoes, she uses Tuttoroso imported canned tomatoes. Here is her simple pomodoro sauce recipe from canned tomatoes. Make a large batch so you can keep it on hand for recipes throughout the week.
Filetto di Pomodoro
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute garlic in oil, add onions and carrots and saute on medium-low for about 2-3 minutes, until soft. Add tomatoes and chicken broth and simmer 45 minutes on low.
- Add fresh basil last 10 minutes (herbs will become bitter if cooked more than 20 minutes). Julia always adds herbs into the sauce near the end.
- Taste for acidity, if sauce is a bit tangy (acidic) then add 1 tbsp of sugar. For a calorie free way to cut the acidity in the sauce add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
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Where are the points listed? Thank you.
Look for the blue WW above the ingredients of the recipe card.
Gina, could you please post recipe for making the sauce with fresh tomatoes?. Thank you.
if Julia makes it in the summer, when tomatoes are peak and plentiful, why does her recipe call for canned tomatoes????
I was looking for a sauce recipe made with fresh plum seasonal tomatoes. Need to know how chunky to dice, how long to cook down etc etc. other tips… de-seed? de-skin? Yes canned is surely easier!!!
Also, shouldn’t garlic go in after the onions are softened? I always give the onions a good head start.
Love the baking soda tip.
You can crush your own fresh tomatoes – I can my own, so they are skinned before canning and then hand-crushed to make sauces.
This sounds delicios. Can you please tell me what olive oil you use. I can’t wait to try it.Thank you
Do you take the smashed garlic out of the sauce after cooking it or do you blend it in with an immersion blender or blender or food processor?
Absolutely delicious! So easy to make.
This was fabulous!
No sweetener necessary.
I’ve tried other low~point, homemade sauces and
didn’t like any of them.
I could eat this straight from the pan!
Thank you for the delicious recipe.
Can you make this in the instant pot?
This has to be the best sauce I have ever made. Its simple to made and has tons of flavor
Thank you Gina for another great recipe
Hi Gina! I’m about to make this sauce for the second time (it’s delicious!) but I realized I only have ‘fire-roasted’ crushed tomatoes in my pantry. Do you think that would change the flavor of the sauce in a negative way?
Not sure?
Hi Gina!!!
Is this recipe safe for canning? I like to make things in bulk and use as needed since I’m a single mom and it makes my grocery trips as sparse as possible.
Thank you!!
I don’t see why it wouldn’t be.
Helpful tip from my Sicilian mother – grate the carrots. That way you still get the added veggie and sweetness without the worry of their size and cooking them all the way through. She found this especially helpful for the picky eating kids and adults in our family. They don’t know it’s in there!
Great idea!
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I put this in the weight watcher calculator and it says 3 smart points. I wonder why!
Are you using the recipe builder? The only accurate way to determine any recipe’s SmartPoints® value is to plug the ingredients into the recipe builder on the Weight Watchers website (Click on “My Foods,” select “Recipe,” and click “Create a recipe.”) which does not count fruits and vegetables in recipes in the calculations as they are now 0 points.
The SmartPoints® calculator isn’t meant for recipes and will often give you the wrong points (usually higher) because it’s counting the fruits and vegetables. So if you see a recipe with a SmartPoints® value that’s different from what the calculator tells you, now you know why.
Just bought the new cookbook. I love it. Are the ww smart points available somewhere for each recipe?
Thank you!
Click the cookbook tab on the website…it lists them all there.
Hi was wondering if you knew how much sugar was in this? It looks great but I have to enter sugar for my nutrition calculator.
I don’t think there is any sugar in this recipe. If there were it would be listed as an ingredient. She probably puts in the carrot to counteract the sometimes acidy tomatoes. At the same time it sneaks some veggies into the kids.😊
Sorry, I didn’t see in the end of the recipe Gina suggested a Tbs of sugar if the tomatoes had a bitter taste. She suggested 1/2 tsp of baking soda as a calorie free alternative. I find that the shredded carrot does the trick😊
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I just have to tell you that I adore this recipe. I have used it in so many other recipes it is crazy, however, it is wonderful on its own over some spaghetti squash! This time, I froze a few servings to have as a quick fix for me when my family wants something less WW SP friendly for dinner. THANK YOU!
Yay! So glad you enjoy it!
How could you cook this in the crockpot? For how long/high or low?
great recipe, how do you freeze your sauce?
i could drink this sauce! i have been a follower for a year or so… but the past few months i have been using your recipes on a regular basis. i have never been much of a cook but i have to say that i have improved. 🙂 i love the fact that they are lower cal/fat as well. thank u for inspiring me…
addicted to your site!
Can you use tomato sauce instead??
This is very tasty! I am not a huge fan of carrots and I couldn't quite get them soft even with a little extra simmering so I was thinking maybe next time I will shred them. Overall, very yummy. I am making this for the spinach manicotti (first try so wish me luck! haha) and I'm sure the homemade sauce will make all the difference! Thank you for all your posts and replies!
Finely shred the carrots. They will magically disappear in the sauce.😊
Hey there, I tried this recipe today and it was really yummy. What a nice clean taste which I love in a pasta sauce. I have been following your site and have made a few recipes and plan to try many more. Keep up the great work and Happy Holidays 🙂
Wow!! Have made this sauce for the Chicken parm., and also as a dip for the baked cheesesticks!! So delicious…your site has changed my eating and cooking for the better. Thank you so much for all of these wonderful recipies.
Kasi
Made this sauce, it was BLAND. I chopped and chopped and the sauce was too soupy. Had to reduce the liquid by 1/3 and then had to continue cooking it until it started looking like a sauze instead of soup.
How long do you cook it in the crockpot for? And on what setting?
Our family LOVED this recipe! I used fresh tomatoes from our garden. I'm seriously thinking about buying cases of tomatoes from the farmer's market so I can freeze a ton of this sauce to last all winter! The only thing I did differently was to let it cook for a few hours, which really helped it thicken up. YUM!
When You used fresh tomatoes did you measure out 28 oz.? Or how did you measure out your tomatoes? Thanks!!
Just made this and it was excellent. I added the Tbsp of sugar to cut acidity, it added a nice sweetness overall.
HI,
I looked online and found that Tuttorosso is owned by Red Gold. We do not have Tuttorosso brand available here, but we do have Red-Gold tomatoes. Does anyone know if they have the same taste?
Thanks,
I made one batch of this sauce a few weeks ago, and we love it! I'm always forgetting to thaw things ahead of time, though, so I'd really like to can this sauce instead of freeze it. Do you have any recommendations for canning?
Hi Gina, do we measure 1 cup of carrots before or after they are chopped? I know its a silly question!
Is there a purpose to the carrots? Is it just to sneak in more veggies or does it do something else? I thought I did a good job chopping them but they never softened up so our sauce was "crunchy" although still tasty. I noticed on the bolognese sauce it list carrots to be shredded. I'm wondering if I should be doing the same here or just leave them out. I like the idea of added nutrition and think if shredded it would be a good thickening agent rather than typical tomato paste.
Finely shred the carrots. They will cook in the sauce and you’ll never know they are there. The sweetness of the carrots counteracts any acidity in the sauce. A trick of good Italian cooks😊
Love this recipe. All your sauces are amazing. I've FINALLY been getting into make my own sauces rather than buying. It's so nice to know what goes into them. Just made another pot. Can't wait to have some!
Sams Club in my area (Annapolis, MD) sells Tuttoroso crushed tomatoes by the case for about $8. I'm fairly new to following Gina and her recipes but already saw she loves the brand…so I bought a case yesterday and plan on making this for the Spinach Lasagna rolls later this week.
Just finished my 45 minute simmer! I am impressed on how the carrots added the sweetness necessary to take away the bitterness. I added kosher salt, a pinch of red pepper flakes and 2 heaping tablespoons oregano – no basil. Fantastico! Thanks for another great low points success in the kitchen!
A friend just linked me to your site and I LOVE it!! I am trying to cook healthier for my 3 kids and this site seems to make the recipes easy!!!Can not wait to try to make this sauce!
Hi Gina,
Just want to say that I love your site. Keep up the good work and recipes. I think the recipes are even good for people who don't follow weight watchers.
Looking forward to your 2012 recipes.{can't believe we are just about into another new year]
Annie
We liked this one…but not as a spaghetti sauce. It was just missing something for me. I will definitely be freezing it and using it in other recipes, however! I featured it on my blog at:
http://stitchingmomma.blogspot.com/2011/12/one-of-my-favorite-sites.html
How do you freeze the leftover tomoato sauce
Very good. Had to add a pinch of sugar at the end. Might add a bit more chicken broth next time as it was a bit too thick for me. Yummy in the eggplant parm recipe and will use for other recipe but don't think I'd use it by itself as a sauce. Carrots were a bit crunchy still after 45 minutes but not a bad thing.
Is there a substitute for the ricotta cheese? I wanted to make them today and only have sour cream or greek yogert or cream cheese on hand. Did not want to go to the store.
Only if the tomatoes are not crushed but it's up to you.
Hey Gina!!!
Do you blend your sauce after with an immersion blender or is it just smooth enough to serve????? I ask because I'm looking to make your spinach lasagna roll ups and the sauce on there looks like it doesn't have a chunk in in.
Thanks so much!!
Stacie – I'm guessing 6 – 8?
I just stumbled upon your website and I already love it!! Could someone tell me the approximate number of fresh tomatoes to use in lieu of canned??? Thanks!!!
No, but if the tomatoes are acid, add a pinch of sugar.
do I have to do the carrots???
Thank you for another great recipe. Will definitely be using this recipe all the time. I couldn't find the brand mentioned so I used Muir Glen Crushed Tomatoes.
I don't! But I love garlic : )
When the sauce calls for smashed garlic, do you take it out before serving?
Found the tomatoes at my local WalMart. They already had the basil in them so I left that step out. Mine came out a little sweet but I also could of added too much sugar. I also threw the veggies in the chopper before adding them to the sauce so the children would eat it without going eww what's that?
I like the green label crushed tomatoes. This is not a thick sauce, you could simmer it longer uncovered to let it thicken.
Gina what specific type of Tuttoroso tomatoes do you use?
My sauce was very runny-is this normal or am I doing something wrong?
Thanks for commenting Beth! I love adding eggplant to my sauce!!
This is really spooky! Let me begin by saying that I found this site today and I'm in love with what I found. I love to cook so Gina you are my new best friend and hero! Spent @ two hours reading recipes and the wonderful comments, then went to cook the dinner I had planned earlier in the day- my special Turkey Marinara Sauce! After dinner I tried to figure out WW PointsPlus for a one cup serving, I guessed it to be around 5pts. Then I had an idea- maybe that site I was on before has a similar recipe and I'll use the info. Well THIS IS IT almost to a T!!! I leave out the stock but add sauted mushrooms, sauted ground turkey (20oz package), 1/4c red wine and a dash of hot pepper flakes. This sauce was eaten over Spaghetti Squash. My husband had it over pasta. I even put my basil in the last five minutes and explained to my husband why I wait!! If you really want more veggies and love eggplant grill or roast eggplant cubes and add to sauce. Left overs can be frozen. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Good! This is my first post ever, hope it was done correctly.
Donna, nothing beats homemade! Wouldn't you agree!!
Gina, You're my food hero! I've been coming to your blog for quite some time now, but I don't think I've ever commented. I LOVE to cook, and I LOVE photography! And, I've been on WW for 50 weeks and have lost 90+ lbs. I rarely make a recipe to the T, but I thoroughly enjoy following your recipes and adding my own little twists. I check your site daily! It inspires me not to get stuck in the food duldrums by resorting to the same ole same ole! And, WW or not, I highly recommend your site! (And, your most used recipe in my house is this tomato sauce…I make it up in large quantities and freeze it in desired quantities. I LOVE it!! Will never buy pre-made sauce for anything again!) Thanks!!
1/25/11 9:45 AM
Holy cow this is fantastic! I did not think it was possible for me to make pasta sauce that tastes this good. Thank you so much for the recipe. You should really have your own cookbook!
Hi Kassie, I love my immersion blender!! The Cuisinart is great.
For the enchilada recipe, simply use canned tomato sauce, not Italian pasta sauce. It shouldn't have any seasoning in it.
Hi Gina,
I'd love to make your tomato sauce to use in your Chicken Enchilada recipe, but I am not sure which one to use. Does this one work? Or the Candied Tomato Sauce? Or do you recommend just using store-bought canned?
Also, do you recommend a specific immersion blender? I really want to make some of your soup/sauce recipes, but need to get one and want a reliable one.
Thanks!!
Yes, you blanch them, remove the skin, put them through a food mill to remove the seeds. Then you cook them with salt and pepper, onions and olive oil if you desire. If tomatoes are tart you can add a pinch of sugar. Cook 10 minutes or so, remove from heat and add fresh basil.
I thought I had posted this earlier today, but maybe I goofed up on submitting…anyways, I noticed other gals inquiring about the recipe using fresh tomatoes. I guess my main question is about how to get the fresh tomatoes to the state of canned tomatoes…do I need to do anything different? Skin them, blanch them…???? Thanks! Oh, and made the yummo ziti and spinach tonight! Both my kids ate it without much fuss about the spinach – a huge success in my house! Thanks for the great recipes!
A handful! My husband loves basil So I put a lot in and I have a lot in my garden. It's to taste.
How much basil do you put in it?
No, you shouldn't drain them. I like using the crushed tomatoes, they are a bit thicker. You could let it simmer uncovered until it thickens to your liking. Enjoy!
I am working on this sauce and feel like its a bit loose, are you supposed to drain the tomatoes first?
I found this site a few days ago because I have an aunt coming to visit me and she is on WW so I want to make something for her that she can count. And now I am officially a convert. I will be using many of your recipes even though I don't count point but my entire weekly menu is all of your recipes. You really should have your own cooking show!
You could either leave it out or use a little vegetable stock.
Hey Gina! if you are a vegetarian what can you substitute for the chicken stock?
@vlo- great! The tostones came out hard, it sounds like they overcooked. Try cooking them less time, ovens vary.
i poured it in my blender,it filled it perfectly, anymore and i would have had to blend in two batches. it came out awesome, i added splenda to cut the acidity. i made this so i could make the lasgna spinich rolls, they came out perfect! im going to have to feature the recipe on FatGirlsLittleCoat soon, ill link you when i do. i also made your picodillo and baked tostones this week, how do you get your tostones crispy?mine came out hard. ive already printed a recipe to cook for dinner every day next week. nice to not have to think about it, thanks a ton!
I don't think it matters, you could leave the basil. An immersion blender would be great for this!
i bought whole canned tomatoes and it looks like im going to have to puree the whole thing when its done cooking., also my carrots arent soft( they are diced tiny). when i puree do you think i should also puree the basil or take it out?
No, I have not, she does this with her family once a year. It's an all day affair but she is about to have a baby any day now so I'm not sure if she will be doing it this year.
Hi Gina,
I am really looking forward to making some of your recipes this week! I have planted lots of tomatoes this year, and was wondering if you'd ever gotten to post your friend's actual recipe for canning this sauce?
It keeps in the refrigerator about 3-4 days. You can freeze it for up to six months. It freezes well.
Hi Gina, I love your website and was wondering if I jar the sauces how long do they keep in the fridge?
and can I freeze the sauce?
It really depends on want consistency you want your sauce to be. You can crush them or puree them, I prefer crushed.
Love your recipes! This may be a silly question, but does it matter if I use crushed tomatoes vs. whole tomatoes? If I use whole tomatoes, do I crush them first? Thanks!
Splenda also works to cut acidity without adding calories…
Splenda is POISON! Read The Science of Skinny.
The crock pot is great for sauce!
I make your sauce in a crock pot and it really helps the flavors get to know each other. Thanks so much for all your hard work.
I’m glad to hear you had great results with San Marzano. I am sure their are a lot of great tomatoes out there, you just have to try them. Some are not so great.
I have not been able to find Tuttoroso tomatoes
in Southern California except by ordering on line from back east. I used San Marzano tomatoes which are even available at Albertsons. This has to be the very best tomatoe sauce I have ever had. I could easily eat it just as it is as tomatoe soup.
I will see if I can get her recipe using fresh tomatoes. Probably in the summer when tomatoes are at their peak.
This looks delicious- but I would love to can this sauce to keep on hand all year long. Is there any way we can get her recipe for canning this using fresh tomatoes as well?
This looks delicious and I need to start making my own sauce. One thing I love about homemade is that you know what goes into it.
Does your friend can the sauce in jars after following the process above? Sounds like a tasty recipe. Thanks!
@ TNelson, I have never tried Muir Glen but I have heard positive things about them. There is a great article on Chowhound “The Best Italian Canned Tomatoes” http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/351272 I am loyal to Tuttoroso because I have always gotten great results but if Muir Glen works in your house, use them.
@annie, I live in New York and can find Tuttorosso everywhere.
thanks for visiting!
Where do you buy the Tuttoroso canned tomatoes?
Gina – Long time lurker first time poster. I have saved so many of your yummy recipes that I thought I should finally chime in and let you know how much I appreciate your site. This sauce looks especially delectable! We have pasta on the menu tonight even though I don’t have the recommended canned tomatoes. I’m going to see if I can find them in Omaha somewhere – if not – maybe Amazon can ship some to me. We do love the Muir Glen tomato products so that’s what I’ll probably use tonight. Thanks again for a great site.