Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsLeone'sClassic Cheese Recipe

Classic Cheese Recipe

Inspired by Leone's
Time40m
Serves4

Fresh plum tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese

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Ingredients

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Tomato Sauce

Method

Tomato Sauce Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Tomatoes

    Wash the fresh plum tomatoes thoroughly. Cut them in half and remove the seeds.

  2. 2

    Cook the Sauce

    In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

  3. 3

    Add Tomatoes

    Add the prepared plum tomatoes to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.

  4. 4

    Season the Sauce

    Add salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh basil to the saucepan. Simmer the mixture for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes break down into a sauce-like consistency.

  5. 5

    Blend (Optional)

    If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency.

Cheese Assembly

  1. 6

    Prepare the Cheese

    While the sauce is simmering, shred the mozzarella cheese and set aside.

  2. 7

    Combine Sauce and Cheese

    Once the sauce is ready, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing well to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed.

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