Pomodori in Scatola

Whenever fresh tomatoes at the height of their flavor are not available, Italian grandmothers use canned tomatoes, preferably whole San Marzano plum-shaped tomatoes in natural juices. Some of the best canned tomatoes come from Italy—try cubed tomatoes from Pomi, which use no citric acid in the preserving, or San Marzano-style plum-shaped tomatoes that may or may not come from Italy. California tomatoes, such as the organic ones packed by Muir Glen, are also excellent. Many women add a pinch of sugar to the canned tomatoes to balance their acidity. Italian nonne also use passata, tomato puree, in place of chopped tomatoes.