Scratch Spaghetti Sauce With Fresh Tomatoes
There's nothing quite like a homemade spaghetti sauce, especially one made from scratch with fresh tomatoes. Not only is it healthier than store-bought sauces that are often loaded with preservatives and added sugars, but it also tastes so much better. This recipe is easy to make and uses ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. So, roll up your sleeves, grab some ripe tomatoes, and let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 8-10 fresh tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Begin by washing and chopping the fresh tomatoes. Remove the stems and cut the tomatoes in half. If the tomatoes are particularly large, you can cut them into quarters.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the sauce cook for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer the sauce cooks, the more flavorful it will be.
5. After 1-2 hours, remove the lid and use a potato masher or immersion blender to break down the tomatoes and create a smoother sauce. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip this step.
6. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it's too acidic, add a bit more sugar. If it's too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
7. Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta and enjoy!
Conclusion:
Making your own spaghetti sauce from scratch is a great way to control the quality of the ingredients and ensure that your family is eating a healthy and delicious meal. This recipe is easy to customize to your own tastes, so feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. And remember, the key to a great sauce is patience – let it simmer low and slow for the best results.
