Firehouse Tomato Sauce

Submitted by Dony001

"We were shopping at a local grocery store near the firehouse trying to decide on dinner and I decided to make some pasta with tomato sauce and meatballs. I used only what was available in this store and it came out fantastic. The San Marzano canned tomatoes are a little bit pricier but you seriously can taste the difference and it's worth it. The cola sounds weird but it's an old tip from a culinary instructor and I prefer it to straight sugar. For me adding meat to this in the last hour really makes the flavor better but I'll post that later under another recipe. On it's own its still a great sauce. I adapted this to a gluten free version for my girlfriend, for those interested check it out."

 

• Ready In: 3hrs 20mins
• Ingredients: 15
• Serves: 4-5

ingredients

• 1 (48 ounce) can san marzano tomatoes
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 plum tomatoes
• 1 small onion (I used vidalia)
• 1 small shallot
• 1⁄8 cup butter
• 1⁄2 cup water (I like to use the empty tomato can for flavor)
• 8 ounces cola
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1⁄2 cup cola (If you like it sweeter, add a bit more)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic (more for others who love garlic)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons italian seasoning (oregno,rosemary,thyme, etc)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (If you like heat kick it up)
• salt or pepper

directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Heat oil in a skillet under low heat add onions and shallot. Saute until lightly translucent and soft.
3. Slice Plum tomatoes lengthwise, sprinkle with salt and olive oil. Bake for 10mins on each side or until browned.
4. Add garlic, stir often and be very careful to watch for burning, about 2 minutes If you see spots of garlic getting brown add small splashes of water over them. Once the garlic is done add the tomato paste, herbs, pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and mix until the paste and onions are blended, another 2-3 minutes.
5. Add tomatoes, roasted plum tomatoes, cola, water and butter. Bring to a light simmer for 3 hours Do net let it boil. After 2 hrs taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, before that the flavors have not concentrated. For texture I mashed it with a potato masher, if you prefer it chunky disregard.
6. Serve with your favorite pasta and enjoy.