Recipe For Fresh Tomato Spaghetti Sauce
Spaghetti is a classic Italian dish that has become a favorite in households across the United States. While store-bought spaghetti sauce may be convenient, making your own fresh tomato spaghetti sauce is easy and delicious. This recipe for fresh tomato spaghetti sauce is perfect for any occasion, whether you're cooking for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party.
Ingredients
- 6-8 medium-sized fresh tomatoes
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the tomatoes
Start by washing the tomatoes and removing the stems. Cut each tomato in half, and then use your fingers to remove the seeds and the juice from the tomato. Discard the seeds and juice, and then chop the remaining tomato flesh into small pieces. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the aromatics
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the tomatoes
Add the chopped tomatoes to the saucepan, along with the salt and sugar. Stir well to combine, and then bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Blend the sauce
After 30 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip this step and leave the sauce as is.
Step 5: Add the basil
Transfer the blended sauce back to the saucepan, and return it to medium-low heat. Add the chopped basil, and stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for another 5-10 minutes, until the basil is fragrant and wilted.
Step 6: Serve the sauce
Your fresh tomato spaghetti sauce is now ready to serve! Cook your spaghetti according to package instructions, and then toss it with the sauce. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil, if desired.
Tips and Variations
- If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add more sugar to taste.
- If you want to add some extra flavor, you can sauté some Italian sausage or ground beef along with the onions and garlic.
- If you have fresh oregano or parsley on hand, you can add those herbs to the sauce as well.
- If you have leftover sauce, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Now that you have this delicious recipe for fresh tomato spaghetti sauce, you can enjoy a homemade Italian meal any time you want. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this sauce is sure to impress!