If goodness and tradition were to choose a symbol in which to reflect themselves, tomato sauce would certainly be a valid option.

Versatile for dressing pasta, stuffing pizza or for meat, fish or vegetable sauces, it is a simple preparation that smells of summer all year round and allows this fabulous fruit to be enjoyed even in winter.

To prepare passata, very ripe tomatoes must be used. They can be cooked without the addition of anything else, or by including so-called 'herbs' (celery, carrot, onion, garlic) in the preparation.

Every region has a traditional recipe for preparing tomato sauce, and every family cherishes this custom of genuineness and conviviality.

Here are the ingredients to prepare about 10 500-gram jars according to grandma's recipe:

5 kg ripe tomatoes
3 celery stalks
3 carrots
3 cloves of garlic
3 onions
2 generous handfuls of fresh basil
extra virgin olive oil
salt
pepper.

Procedure:

First start with the herbs, which must be washed, trimmed, finely chopped and sautéed in a large earthenware or copper pan with four generous tablespoons of oil.

Next, prepare the tomatoes, which must be washed well, cut into pieces and added to the sauté while stirring.

Season with a handful of coarse salt, bring to the boil and lower the heat, continuing to cook until the tomatoes have softened (about 20 minutes).

Turn off the heat, mash everything with a vegetable mill (a puree machine is also fine) and put the puree back into the crock pot with a little oil, basil, ground pepper and a pinch of salt. Bring to the boil and lower the heat to a minimum until the sauce has reduced.

Before placing the sauce in the jars, it is necessary to sterilise them to ensure perfect preservation.

Once ready, place the sauce in the jars, close the lids tightly.

Place the jars in a large saucepan, cover completely with water at room temperature and bring to the boil for about 20 minutes, then turn off, put the lid on and allow the jars to cool completely before removing them from the pan.

Remove the jars, dry them well and store them in the pantry.

Summer in boccaccio is ready for storage.

Discover Mastrototaro Food's Casereccia di Puglia to taste the REAL sauce made at home by grandmothers of yesteryear.

Your dishes will have a new flavour that tastes of authentic tradition.