Homemade Spaghetti Sauce From Garden Tomatoes
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade spaghetti sauce, especially when you use fresh tomatoes from your garden. Whether you’re trying to use up a bumper crop of tomatoes or simply want to create a delicious and healthy sauce for your pasta dishes, making your own spaghetti sauce from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make homemade spaghetti sauce from garden tomatoes.
What You’ll Need
To make homemade spaghetti sauce from garden tomatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 10-15 ripe tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
You’ll also need a large pot, a blender or food processor, and a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Preparing the Tomatoes
The first step in making homemade spaghetti sauce from garden tomatoes is to prepare the tomatoes. Start by washing the tomatoes and removing the stems. Then, use a paring knife to score an “X” on the bottom of each tomato. This will help you easily remove the skins later on.
Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, carefully drop the tomatoes into the pot. Let them cook for 1-2 minutes, or until you see the skins starting to peel back from the “X” marks.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process and make the tomatoes easier to handle. Once the tomatoes are cool, remove them from the ice water and use your fingers or a paring knife to peel off the skins.
Making the Sauce
Now that your tomatoes are peeled, it’s time to make the sauce. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
Add the peeled tomatoes to the pot, along with the salt, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Let the sauce simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors have melded together. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use a blender or food processor to puree the mixture at this point.
Once the sauce is done cooking, use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain out any seeds or tomato pulp. This will give you a smooth, velvety sauce that’s perfect for pasta dishes.
Storing and Serving
Homemade spaghetti sauce from garden tomatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to three months. To serve, simply heat the sauce on the stove until it’s warmed through, and serve over your favorite pasta.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, making homemade spaghetti sauce from garden tomatoes is a delicious and satisfying way to use up your tomato harvest. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a flavorful and healthy sauce that’s perfect for any pasta dish.