Spaghetti Sauce From Scratch Using Fresh Tomatoes
Spaghetti is one of the most popular Italian dishes in the United States. However, the key ingredient to a delicious spaghetti dish is the sauce. While canned spaghetti sauce can be convenient, making spaghetti sauce from scratch using fresh tomatoes is an excellent way to make your dish stand out. In this article, we will go through the process of creating a delicious spaghetti sauce from scratch using fresh tomatoes.
Choosing the Right Tomatoes
The first step in making spaghetti sauce from scratch using fresh tomatoes is selecting the right type of tomatoes. The best type of tomatoes for making spaghetti sauce are Roma tomatoes. They are meaty and have less water content compared to other types of tomatoes. This makes them perfect for making a thick and rich spaghetti sauce. You can also use San Marzano tomatoes or any other type of meaty tomatoes that are available in your local grocery store.
Peeling and Dicing Tomatoes
After selecting the right type of tomatoes, the next step is to peel and dice them. To peel the tomatoes, cut a small "x" at the bottom of each tomato, then place them in boiling water for about 30 seconds. After that, remove them from the boiling water and place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. The skin should easily peel off. Once peeled, dice the tomatoes into small pieces.
Sautéing Vegetables
Now it's time to sauté the vegetables. In a large saucepan, heat up some olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté them until they are soft and translucent. This will take about 5-7 minutes. You can also add other vegetables such as carrots or celery to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
After sautéing the vegetables, add the diced tomatoes and seasonings. Seasonings can include salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and thyme. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Blending the Sauce
Once the sauce has simmered for 30 minutes, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, blend the sauce using a blender or an immersion blender until it's smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some water to thin it out.
Serving the Spaghetti Sauce
Now that your spaghetti sauce is ready, you can serve it with your favorite pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then toss it with the spaghetti sauce. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs such as basil or parsley on top for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Making spaghetti sauce from scratch using fresh tomatoes may take a little more time and effort compared to using canned sauce, but the end result is definitely worth it. With this recipe, you can create a delicious and healthy spaghetti sauce that is free from preservatives and additives. Try it out and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
