Homemade Spaghetti Sauce From Scratch Using Fresh Tomatoes
Spaghetti is one of the most popular dishes in the United States. It's easy to make, versatile, and delicious. However, store-bought spaghetti sauce can be expensive and often contains preservatives and other additives. The good news is that you can make your own spaghetti sauce from scratch using fresh tomatoes. In this article, we will show you how to make homemade spaghetti sauce that is healthy, delicious, and easy to prepare.
Why make your own spaghetti sauce from scratch?
Making your own spaghetti sauce from scratch has many benefits. First, you know exactly what ingredients are going into your sauce. You can use fresh, organic tomatoes and other ingredients, which means your sauce will be healthier and free from preservatives and other additives. Second, homemade spaghetti sauce tastes significantly better than store-bought varieties. You can customize the flavor to your liking by adjusting the seasonings and spices. Finally, making your own spaghetti sauce is often more cost-effective than buying it from the store.
Ingredients needed for homemade spaghetti sauce:
- 10-12 fresh tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions:
- Wash and core the tomatoes. Cut a small 'X' on the bottom of each tomato.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the tomatoes and blanch for about 1-2 minutes or until the skin starts to peel off.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Peel the skin off the tomatoes and discard.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and stir for about 1 minute.
- Add the peeled tomatoes, sugar, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove the bay leaf and stir in the chopped basil.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree the sauce until smooth.
- Return the sauce to the pot and heat over low heat until warmed through.
Tips for making homemade spaghetti sauce:
- Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Cook the sauce low and slow to allow the flavors to develop.
- Adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you like a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more sugar.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Making your own homemade spaghetti sauce from scratch using fresh tomatoes is easy, healthy, and delicious. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a flavorful sauce that is perfect for spaghetti, lasagna, or any other Italian dish. With a little bit of time and effort, you can enjoy the taste of homemade spaghetti sauce without any of the preservatives or additives found in store-bought varieties.
