Making Spaghetti Sauce With Roma Tomatoes
Spaghetti sauce is a versatile and flavorful addition to any pasta dish. While there are many different types of tomatoes that can be used to make spaghetti sauce, Roma tomatoes are a popular choice due to their low water content and meaty texture. In this article, we'll take a look at how to make spaghetti sauce with Roma tomatoes.
What You'll Need
To make spaghetti sauce with Roma tomatoes, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs Roma tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Preparing the Tomatoes
The first step in making spaghetti sauce with Roma tomatoes is to prepare the tomatoes. Begin by washing the tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Once they are clean, remove the stem and cut an "X" into the bottom of each tomato.
Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the tomatoes to the pot. Allow the tomatoes to boil for 2-3 minutes, or until the skins begin to peel away.
Once the tomatoes are ready, remove them from the pot and place them in a bowl of ice water to cool down. Once they are cool enough to handle, peel away the skins and discard them.
Making the Sauce
Now that the tomatoes are prepared, it's time to make the sauce. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Add the peeled Roma tomatoes to the pot, along with the salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Allow the sauce to simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the sauce cooks, the tomatoes will break down and thicken the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little bit of water to thin it out.
Once the sauce is done cooking, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor to puree it until smooth.
Serving the Sauce
Now that your spaghetti sauce with Roma tomatoes is ready, it's time to serve it! Simply pour the sauce over your favorite pasta and enjoy. You can also store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to three months.
Conclusion
Making spaghetti sauce with Roma tomatoes is a simple and delicious way to add flavor to any pasta dish. By following these steps, you can make a flavorful and hearty sauce that is sure to impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try today?