Spaghetti Sauce Crock Pot Fresh Tomatoes
When it comes to homemade spaghetti sauce, using fresh tomatoes in a crock pot is a game changer. Not only does it give the sauce a rich and vibrant flavor, but it also makes the cooking process much easier and more convenient. In this article, we'll go over a step-by-step recipe for making spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes in a crock pot, complete with tips and tricks for getting the most out of your ingredients.
What You'll Need
Before you get started, it's important to gather all of the necessary ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- 10-12 medium-sized fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4-6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup 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
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can of tomato paste (6 oz)
- 1/2 cup of red wine (optional)
Make sure to wash and chop your tomatoes before you begin cooking. You can also dice your onions and mince your garlic ahead of time to save time later on.
How to Make Spaghetti Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes in a Crock Pot
Now that you have all of your ingredients, it's time to start cooking! Follow these steps for a delicious and easy spaghetti sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Season the tomato mixture with salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Transfer the tomato mixture to a crock pot.
- Add the tomato paste and red wine (if using) to the crock pot and stir to combine.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender to blend until smooth, if desired.
- Use the sauce immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
And that's it! You now have a delicious and fresh spaghetti sauce that's perfect for any pasta dish.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your spaghetti sauce:
- If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip blending the sauce at the end.
- If you don't have a crock pot, you can also make this recipe on the stove top. Simply follow the same steps, but cook the sauce over low heat for 2-3 hours instead.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as rosemary, parsley, or bay leaves.
- If you want to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the red wine or use a vegan-friendly option.
Conclusion
Making spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes in a crock pot is a delicious and easy way to elevate your pasta dishes. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a rich and flavorful sauce that's perfect for any occasion. So give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of fresh, homemade spaghetti sauce!