Homemade Spaghetti Sauce With Roasted Tomatoes
There's something about homemade spaghetti sauce that just can't be beat. The flavors are richer, the ingredients are fresher, and the aroma is downright intoxicating. And when you roast your tomatoes first, it takes the sauce to a whole new level. In this article, we'll show you how to make homemade spaghetti sauce with roasted tomatoes that will have your taste buds singing.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Wash and dry your tomatoes, then cut them in half. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Roast the tomatoes for 30-40 minutes, until they are soft and caramelized.
- While the tomatoes are roasting, heat the remaining olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until it's soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add the roasted tomatoes to the saucepan, along with any juices that have accumulated on the baking sheet.
- Add the chopped basil, parsley, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes.
- If using, add the red wine and stir everything together.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaves and let the sauce cool for a few minutes.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and puree it until it's smooth.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta, and enjoy!
As you can see, making homemade spaghetti sauce with roasted tomatoes is a labor of love. But trust us, it's worth every minute of effort. The flavors are complex and intense, and the texture is silky and smooth. Plus, you can feel good knowing exactly what's in your sauce, without any unnecessary preservatives or additives.
Tips:
- Use the freshest tomatoes you can find. They should be ripe and fragrant, with no bruises or blemishes.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to your sauce, such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
- If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender or a food processor. Just be sure to let the sauce cool before blending it, and work in batches if necessary.
- If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip pureeing it altogether and just mash the tomatoes with a fork or potato masher.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to three months.
Conclusion:
Homemade spaghetti sauce with roasted tomatoes is a delicious and healthy alternative to store-bought sauces. By using fresh, simple ingredients, you can create a sauce that's bursting with flavor and nutrients. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just feeding your family on a weeknight, this sauce is sure to impress.
