Making Spaghetti Sauce From Fresh Tomatoes To Freeze
If you have a garden full of fresh tomatoes or you just love the taste of homemade spaghetti sauce, you may want to make a batch to freeze for later use. Not only does this save you time in the future, but it also creates a delicious and healthy alternative to store-bought sauces. In this article, we will explore the steps to make spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes to freeze.
Gather Your Ingredients
The first step in making spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes is to gather your ingredients. You will need:
- 20-25 fresh tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Make sure your tomatoes are ripe and firm, as they will provide the most flavor for your sauce. You can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms, depending on your personal preference.
Prepare Your Tomatoes
The next step is to prepare your tomatoes for the sauce. Start by washing them thoroughly and removing any stems or blemishes. Cut each tomato in half and remove the seeds and pulp. You can use a spoon or your fingers to do this, but be careful not to damage the flesh of the tomato. Once all of your tomatoes are prepared, chop them into small pieces.
Cook Your Sauce
Now it's time to start cooking your sauce. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Next, add your chopped tomatoes to the pot and stir to combine. Add the salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and sugar, and stir again. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you let the sauce cook, the more flavorful it will become.
Cool and Freeze Your Sauce
Once your sauce is finished cooking, let it cool to room temperature. You can then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to label the containers with the date and contents before placing them in the freezer.
When you're ready to use your frozen spaghetti sauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You can then heat it up on the stove or in the microwave and use it as desired.
Conclusion
Making spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes to freeze is a great way to enjoy the taste of homemade sauce all year round. By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and healthy alternative to store-bought sauces that your whole family will love.
