No. 9. Tomato Sauce Recipe

Tomato sauce is a versatile and delicious addition to many dishes, known for enhancing the flavors and adding a burst of tangy sweetness. While there are numerous variations of tomato sauce, one traditional recipe that stands out is No. 9 Tomato Sauce. This recipe has a rich history, delicious flavors, and fun facts associated with it. Let's dive into the details and learn how to make this mouthwatering sauce from scratch.

The No. 9 Tomato Sauce recipe combines the freshness of tomatoes with the savory goodness of ham, the aromatic flavors of onions and basil, and a medley of spices. It is perfect for adding depth and flavor to pasta dishes, pizzas, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.

Fun fact: The origin of tomato sauce dates back centuries ago when tomatoes were brought to Europe from the Americas. Initially thought to be poisonous, they were only used as decorative garden plants. However, in the mid-16th century, tomatoes gained popularity as a food source, and the use of tomatoes in various sauces and dishes began to emerge.

Now, let's get started with the No. 9 Tomato Sauce recipe:

Ingredients:
- 3 tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chopped ham
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- 1 dessert-spoonful of oil
- 1 clove of garlic
- Pounded spice (a combination of your favorite spices, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, or oregano)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions:
1. Begin by broiling the tomatoes for a few minutes until the skin starts to blister and char. Remove them from the broiler and allow them to cool.
2. Once cooled, remove the skin from the tomatoes and roughly chop them.
3. In a saucepan, combine the chopped tomatoes, chopped ham, finely chopped onion, salt, oil, pounded spices, and fresh basil leaves.
4. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
5. While the sauce is boiling, add a clove of garlic with a small cut into the pan. This will infuse the sauce with a subtle garlic flavor.
6. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes break down and become soft.
7. Once the sauce has cooked, remove the pan from the heat and discard the garlic clove.
8. Pass the sauce through a sieve or use a blender to achieve a smooth consistency.
9. Serve the No. 9 Tomato Sauce warm over your favorite pasta, as a pizza sauce, or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.

Fun fact: The No. 9 in the recipe's name is believed to have originated from a popular Italian restaurant in the early 20th century. This tomato sauce recipe was the ninth one on the menu and quickly gained popularity, earning its unique designation.

Similar to No. 9 Tomato Sauce, there are other delicious tomato-based sauces that you might enjoy trying. Here are a few recommendations:

- Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, herbs (such as basil and oregano), and olive oil. It is versatile and pairs well with pasta, meatballs, or used as a dipping sauce.
- Arrabbiata Sauce: A spicy tomato sauce that includes chili peppers or red pepper flakes. It adds a fiery kick to your dishes and is a perfect complement to penne or rigatoni pasta.
- Bolognese Sauce: A meaty tomato sauce that includes ground meat (usually beef or veal), onions, carrots, celery, garlic, tomatoes, and various herbs. It is a hearty sauce ideal for serving with spaghetti or other types of pasta.

So, whether you choose to make No. 9 Tomato Sauce or explore other tomato-based sauces, enhancing your dishes with the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes will undoubtedly elevate your culinary experience.

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