Testa Dura Sauce

My family on my dad's side were born in Calabria, so he is Calabrese. The word Tetsa Dura means hard headed, and the 2 words Calabria and Testa Dura go hand in hand. Not that I'm saying my family is hard headed, just don't ask them about making " white pasta sauces" they won't acknowledge it as belonging with pasta!


28 oz can of Tomatoes
Olive oil to coat bottom of pan
1 medium onion, chopped

4 chopped garlic clove
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp of fresh ground pepper
1 tsp sugar

1/2 can of tomato paste
dash of chili peppers
teaspoon basil
teaspoon parsley

In a food processor chop the tomatoes

In a large sauce pan over medium heat, heat the oil. Cook the  onion and garlic stirring frequently until soft and fragrant. Stir in tomatoes,salt, pepper, and sugar. Bring to first signs of boiling and reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 1 hour. Then add the tomato paste, basil, and parsley dash of chili peppers and simmer 30 minutes longer. Serve.

Use on tortellini or any quick pasta. Also good for Chicken Parmigiana.