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Next, onions and garlic are sautéed slowly until melt-in-your-mouth soft. This step can take around ten minutes and requires patience. Once softened, tomato paste is added and cooked briefly to release its concentrated flavor. The family prefers a mixture of crushed tomatoes and tomato puree to create a texture that’s hearty yet smooth.
Herbs play a critical role here; dried basil—a favorite in this family—adds sweetness and warmth, complemented by oregano. The tomatoes and seasonings are combined, then simmered for hours to deepen and meld the flavors. The sauce is kept slightly thinner initially, as it will reduce during cooking, resulting in a thick, flavorful Suka by the end of the day.