Tomato sauce in many dishes

So versatile and so simple – the base of so many dishes

Any chef worth his salt will have some homemade tomato (or pomodoro) sauce in the fridge or in the freezer – it's the foundation of so many great dishes. Arrabiatta, if you like spices. For the seafood lover, throw in some clams: Marinara. Or tart it up with olives, capers and anchovies for the perfect Puttanesca. You don't have to stop at pasta dishes, either. I'll show you. 

Lasagne

Of course, some tomato sauce goes into your bolognese. But I also like to add some to the top layer of my lasagne. So it looks as good as it tastes.

Minestrone soup

An Italian twist on the classic veg soup. Tomato sauce, Knorr Vegetable Stock, water – your base is ready. Chuck in your bacon, your pasta and heaps of vegetables. I love mine packed until it's almost stew-like.

Sardines on toast

Simply grill your sardine fillets. Smear olive tapenade on a chunk of blackened bread. Top with a little warm tomato sauce. Finally, lay your sardines on top. 

Pizza 

Esssential to any pizza is a generous helping of deep red tomato sauce. Simply spread the sauce on top of your base and then add vegetables or whatever you have in the fridge. 

Any pasta dish

Tomato sauce is the base for any number of pasta sauces. Do a Blue Peter – and start with something you made earlier.