Spaghetti Sauce Out Of Fresh Tomatoes
Spaghetti sauce is a staple in many households, and there are countless versions of this classic recipe. One of the best ways to make your spaghetti sauce stand out is by using fresh tomatoes. Not only does it taste better, but it's also healthier than using canned tomatoes. This article will guide you through how to make spaghetti sauce out of fresh tomatoes, step by step.
Why Use Fresh Tomatoes?
Using fresh tomatoes in your spaghetti sauce is not only delicious but also nutritious. Fresh tomatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health, including vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant that has been linked to reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease. Additionally, fresh tomatoes contain no preservatives, additives, or added sugars, making them a healthier choice than canned tomatoes.
Gathering the Ingredients
The first step in making spaghetti sauce out of fresh tomatoes is to gather all the ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- 10-12 fresh tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (optional)
You can also add other ingredients to your spaghetti sauce to give it more flavor, such as red pepper flakes, bay leaves, or even red wine. However, these ingredients are optional and can be adjusted to your personal taste.
Preparing the Tomatoes
The next step is to prepare the fresh tomatoes for your spaghetti sauce. Start by washing the tomatoes under cold water and removing the stem. Then, cut an X on the bottom of each tomato and blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds. This will make it easier to remove the skin.
Once the tomatoes are blanched, remove them from the boiling water and place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once they're cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and discard it. Then, cut the tomatoes into quarters and remove the seeds and pulp.
Cooking the Spaghetti Sauce
Now that you have prepared the fresh tomatoes, it's time to start cooking the spaghetti sauce. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the chopped tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir to combine. If you want a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of tomato paste at this point. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the sauce is done cooking, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until it's smooth. If you prefer a chunky sauce, skip this step.
Serving the Spaghetti Sauce
Now that your spaghetti sauce is ready, it's time to serve it. Cook your favorite pasta according to the instructions on the package and drain it. Then, add the spaghetti sauce to the pasta and toss to coat. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to your spaghetti for added flavor.
Conclusion
Making spaghetti sauce out of fresh tomatoes may take a little more time and effort than using canned tomatoes, but it's definitely worth it. Not only does it taste better, but it's also healthier and more nutritious. Try making this recipe for your next pasta night and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills!