San Marzano tomatoes

A long plum tomato variety from the plain south of Vesuvius, sold canned whole and peeled. The flesh is dense, with few seeds and less acid than most canned tomatoes. DOP cans are labelled Pomodoro San Marzano dell'Agro Sarnese-Nocerino. Drain the can to use the solids and the juice for two jobs. Brown the solids in a hot pan for depth. Keep the juice raw for brightness, or use it to deglaze. Some cans hold added citric acid and salt. Read the label and taste before you add salt.