Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce From Fresh Tomatoes
If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make spaghetti sauce recipe, look no further than your crockpot! Making spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes in your crockpot is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your favorite pasta dishes. Plus, it's a great way to use up any extra tomatoes you may have on hand. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps for making crockpot spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes, as well as provide tips for customizing the recipe to your liking.
Ingredients:
To make crockpot spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 8-10 medium-sized fresh tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
You can also add any other vegetables or spices that you like, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or red pepper flakes.
Instructions:
Follow these easy steps to make crockpot spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes:
- Wash and chop the fresh tomatoes into small pieces.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the tomatoes start to break down.
- Transfer the tomato mixture to your crockpot. Add the salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, and sugar (if using) to the crockpot and stir to combine.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you cook the sauce, the richer and more flavorful it will be.
- Remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the sauce until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- Use the sauce immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Customizations:
One of the great things about making spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes in your crockpot is that you can easily customize the recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add some heat: If you like your spaghetti sauce spicy, try adding some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the recipe.
- Make it meaty: Brown some ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet and add it to the crockpot with the tomato mixture for a heartier sauce.
- Go vegan: Leave out the meat and add some chopped vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to the sauce instead.
- Get creative: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, sage, or fennel seed, to give your sauce a unique flavor.
Conclusion:
Making crockpot spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes is a great way to elevate your pasta dishes and use up any extra tomatoes you may have on hand. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a rich and flavorful sauce that your whole family will love. So why not give it a try today?
