Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Using Roma Tomatoes
If you're a pasta lover, you know that the sauce is the most important part of any pasta dish. And when it comes to spaghetti, nothing beats a homemade sauce made from fresh Roma tomatoes. Not only is it healthier and more flavorful than store-bought sauces, but it's also surprisingly easy to make. In this article, we'll show you how to make a delicious homemade spaghetti sauce using Roma tomatoes.
Ingredients
You'll need the following ingredients:
- 10-12 Roma tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps:
- Wash the Roma tomatoes and cut them in half.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Roast the tomatoes in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they're soft and slightly charred.
- Remove the tomatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Peel off the skin from the tomatoes and discard.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the roasted Roma tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Optional: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer flavor.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool for a few minutes.
- Blend the sauce using an immersion blender or transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have your homemade spaghetti sauce, it's time to serve it with your favorite pasta. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions and toss it with the sauce. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for extra flavor. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Homemade spaghetti sauce using Roma tomatoes is a delicious and healthy alternative to store-bought sauces. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking by adjusting the spices and consistency. By following the instructions above, you'll have a flavorful sauce that will elevate your pasta game to the next level.
