Spaghetti Sauce Recipe Fresh Tomatoes Slow Cooker
Spaghetti is a classic Italian dish that has become one of the most popular meals around the world. One of the key ingredients in this dish is the tomato sauce, which can be made using fresh tomatoes in a slow cooker. This article will provide you with a comprehensive recipe for making spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes in a slow cooker that is easy to follow and guaranteed to be delicious.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6-8 fresh tomatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (optional)
These ingredients are enough to make a sauce that will serve 4-6 people.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes in a slow cooker:
Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes and remove the stems. Cut a small "X" at the bottom of each tomato, and blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove the tomatoes and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water. The skins will easily peel off. Dice the peeled tomatoes and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. Transfer the onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Add the diced tomatoes to the slow cooker along with the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine. If the sauce seems too thin, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken it up a bit.
Step 4: Cook the Sauce
Cover the slow cooker and cook the sauce on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Blend the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids, as they can splash and cause burns.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes in a slow cooker is now ready to be served. Pour the sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles, and top with grated cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
Conclusion
Making spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes in a slow cooker is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic Italian dish. By following these easy steps, you can create a flavorful sauce that is perfect for topping your favorite pasta. So, grab some fresh tomatoes and give this recipe a try today!