Spaghetti Sauce From Scratch With Fresh Tomatoes
Are you tired of buying store-bought spaghetti sauce that's packed with preservatives and other additives? Why not try making your own spaghetti sauce from scratch with fresh tomatoes? It may seem daunting at first, but with a few simple steps, you'll have a delicious and healthy sauce that's perfect for any pasta dish. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making spaghetti sauce from scratch with fresh tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 12-15 fresh tomatoes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Make sure to use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor. You can also adjust the amount of garlic and spices to your liking.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes and remove the stems. Cut a small "X" at the bottom of each tomato. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the tomatoes. Boil for 30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water. This will make it easier to remove the skins.
Step 2: Remove the Skins
Once the tomatoes have cooled, remove the skins by starting at the "X" you cut earlier. The skins should come off easily. Discard the skins and set the tomatoes aside.
Step 3: Saute the Onion and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and saute until it's translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and saute for another minute.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes
Chop the tomatoes and add them to the saucepan. Add the sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer you let it simmer, the more flavorful it will be.
Step 6: Add the Basil
Chop the fresh basil and add it to the sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
Step 7: Blend the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until it's your desired consistency.
Conclusion
And there you have it, a delicious and healthy spaghetti sauce made from scratch with fresh tomatoes. Serve it over your favorite pasta and enjoy! This recipe is easy to customize, so feel free to add your own twist. You can also store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to three months.