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There’s something beautifully nostalgic about the annual tradition of making Italian tomato passata from scratch. For many families, it's more than just preserving tomatoes—it's preserving a way of life. Whether you remember helping Nonna in the backyard or you’re just discovering this ritual, there’s something special about crafting passata yourself. And while everyone has their own setup, one tool remains a staple in Italian kitchens: the trusted pure, food grade, aluminum stock pot.
Tomato sauce and passata are both made from tomatoes, but they’re a little different. Passata is simply pureed, strained tomatoes with no seeds or skins—smooth and uncooked. It’s often preserved in jars or bottles, making it perfect to use all year round, especially when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season. It’s thicker than tomato juice but not as concentrated as paste—think of it as the perfect tomato base.
Tomato sauce, on the other hand, is usually cooked and seasoned with herbs, garlic, and onions. To make tomato sauce from passata, just heat it with olive oil, garlic, salt, and your favourite herbs. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy rich tomato flavour anytime.
There’s a reason so many people still set aside a weekend in late summer for this timeless process. Homemade passata offers:
Unmatched flavor – Ripe tomatoes, gently simmered and pureed, result in a rich, naturally sweet base that store-bought sauces just can’t compete with.
Clean ingredients – You know exactly what goes into your passata—no preservatives, no added sugars.
A connection to tradition – Making passata is often a family affair, handed down from generation to generation. It brings people together.
Year-round convenience – Once jarred or bottled, your homemade passata becomes the foundation for pasta sauces, soups, stews, and more.
Making passata is a cherished tradition in many kitchens, capturing the fresh, vibrant flavour of ripe tomatoes for use all year round. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, from preparing your tomatoes to bottling the final product. You’ll learn what equipment and tools you need, including the right pots, strainers, and containers. We’ll also cover the essential ingredients and techniques to help you get the best results. Keep reading to discover how to make delicious homemade passata with ease!
Using the proper equipment and pots is key to making tomato sauce efficiently and safely, especially when working with large batches. The right tools help preserve the flavour, texture, and quality of your sugo while making cleanup easier. Take a look at the list below for the essential equipment you’ll need to get started.
Aluminum stock pots are the top choice for making homemade tomato sauce, whether you're whipping up a small family dinner or prepping large batches for canning. Despite the common myth that aluminum alters the taste of tomato sauce or causes a metallic flavor, high-quality, food-grade natural aluminum is completely safe and does not react with acidic foods like tomatoes—especially when the pot is thick and well-constructed like ours. Here's why our aluminum stock pots are the best:
If you’re making a large batch of tomato sauce—say, over 3 bushels of tomatoes—you’d be crazy to dirty your kitchen! Save yourself the mess (and the stress) by setting up a propane burner outdoors. These heavy-duty burners are built to handle the weight of our large aluminum stock pots, even the massive 64L and up sizes.
Propane burners must only be used outside, as per manufacturer instructions.
Take your tomato sauce game to the next level—grab a propane burner, one of our durable aluminum pots, and keep the kitchen spotless.
When making traditional tomato passata at home, having the right tools on hand isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for a smooth, efficient, and safe process. From preparing your tomatoes to bottling the final product, these items will make the job much easier and help ensure your sauce is stored properly for the months ahead. Here's what you’ll need:
Having these tools ready before you begin will save you time and frustration—and make the tradition of sauce-making even more enjoyable.
Ready to make your own delicious, homemade tomato passata? Whether you’re preserving summer’s bounty or stocking up for cozy winter meals, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process from fresh tomatoes to sealed jars.
Check out our latest reel on Instagram to see how we make rich, flavorful tomato sauce from scratch! From fresh ingredients to slow simmering, we’re sharing every delicious step. Follow along and get inspired to make your own batch at home!
In conclusion, making homemade tomato passata is more than just a time-honored tradition—it's a way to connect with family, celebrate seasonal ingredients, and enjoy the rich, authentic flavour that only comes from scratch. While the process can be rewarding, having the right tools makes all the difference. A high-quality food-grade aluminum pot ensures even heat distribution, speeds up cooking time, and handles large batches with ease, making your passata-making day smoother and more enjoyable from start to finish.
