Madrid-Style Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

While the original Argentinian salsa tuco is known for its bold and spicy flavors, the Madrid-style tomato sauce takes a milder approach. The Madrid version incorporates local spices and ingredients, such as paprika and saffron, to add depth and complexity to the sauce. Additionally, the Madrid-style sauce tends to have a thicker consistency compared to the original, making it ideal for hearty dishes. We alse have the original recipe for Salsa tuco, so you can check it out.

• 2 pounds (900g) ripe tomatoes, diced 2 pounds (900g) ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 14g, 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until they turn translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes, paprika, saffron threads, dried oregano, and bay leaf to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. 5.
   Remove the bay leaf and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the sauce until smooth.
7. 7.
   Return the sauce to the saucepan and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed and remove from heat.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best results.
• Saffron threads — Soak the saffron threads in a tablespoon of warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the sauce to enhance their flavor and color.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Use this sauce as a base for pasta dishes, meatballs, or as a topping for grilled vegetables.
• Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Madrid-style tomato sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. It also pairs well with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top of the sauce and sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve in a shallow bowl or on a large platter to showcase the vibrant color of the sauce.