MAMA LEONE'S ITALIAN TOMATO SAUCE (GOOD FOR MANY USES)

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Mama Leone's Italian Tomato Sauce (Good for Many Uses) image

I grew up across the street from a real Mama Leone-an amazing Irish woman who had an Italian husband and a live-in Italian mother-in-law who taught her to cook. This awesome recipe was a neighbourhood favourite. It has been equally popular with everyone who has ever tasted it. It is an all-purpose Italian sauce. I usually make it for spaghetti and have added optional instructions for that purpose. Without the meat, it is vegan friendly. It's also a good pizza sauce base. You can add other herbs, spices and vegetables if you like, but we have always kept it simple. That's why once it was a lifesaver for a friend who is allergic to garlic. The sauce freezes extremely well.

Provided by Leggy Peggy

Categories     Sauces

Time 3h10m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

16 ounces tomato sauce (puree)
16 ounces tomato paste (concentrate)
80 ounces water (that's five cans of water from the tomato cans you've used)
3 teaspoons salt (the original recipe called for six, but that is way too salty these days)
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (some friends who make this insist they need to use more cinnamon. I have a very good quality cinnamo)
2 dried hot red chiles (you can substitute chilli flakes about 1/4 teaspoon)
2 bay leaves
2 lbs lean hamburger (optional)
2 medium onions, chopped (optional)

Steps:

  • Put all ingredients (except the meat and onions) in a large pot.
  • Stir well and bring to a boil. Continue to stir occasionally until it boils, so the cinnamon is incorporated.
  • Reduce to a simmer and cook for three to four hours. Continue to stir occasionally. You can speed up this step, if you leave it on a boil, but I think the flavour improves if it is not rushed.
  • The sauce needs to cook until it bloops-namely until the sauce splashes out of the pot and makes a bit of a mess on the stove top (or wall in my case).
  • Remove and discard the chillies and bay leaves.
  • What to do next if you intend to serve this sauce over pasta. Saute the beef until it loses most of its pink colouring, then add the onions and saute until tender.
  • Drain off any fat.
  • Add meat mixture to cooked sauce and stir well.
  • Heat the mixture well, then ladle over pasta.

Aman soni (Aman soni)
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This sauce is a little bit bland for my taste. I had to add some extra spices to it.


Luvly Smith
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I'm not a big fan of tomato sauce, but this one is really good. It's not too acidic and it has a nice balance of flavors.


Mst Suraiya
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This is a great recipe. The sauce is delicious and it's so easy to make.


MISSDM SA
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I love this sauce! It's so versatile and I can use it on so many different dishes.


Wajahat HassaN
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This sauce is amazing! It's so easy to make and it tastes like it came from a restaurant.


Zemenay Assefa
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I followed the recipe exactly and the sauce turned out great. It's a little bit spicy, but that's how I like it.


Sean Joseph
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This is the best tomato sauce I've ever had. It's so flavorful and versatile. I can't wait to try it on different dishes.


Donna McCabe
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I wasn't sure how this sauce would turn out, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's delicious and I will definitely be making it again.


Baba Hader
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This sauce is so easy to make and it tastes like it's been simmering all day. I love that I can use it for so many different dishes.


Sakuni Jayasundara
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I've been using this recipe for years and it never disappoints. The sauce is rich, flavorful, and perfect for any Italian dish.


Simon Nyika
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Mama Leone's Italian Tomato Sauce is a family favorite! It's easy to make and tastes amazing. We love it on pasta, pizza, and even eggs.