Lesson 1
Aromatic Foundations
Sautéing onion and garlic to create the base layer of your tomato sauce.
Softening the base
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add one finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Garlic timing
Add minced garlic only once the onion is soft. Cook the garlic for no more than 60 seconds; if it turns brown, it becomes bitter and will ruin the sauce.
The mistake to avoid
Rushing the aromatics is the most common error. If you burn the onions or garlic, discard them and start over. The sweetness of the onion acts as the primary counterbalance to the acidity of the tomatoes. A well-cooked base should look pale gold and smell fragrant, forming the sweet, savoury foundation required for a truly professional-tasting sauce.