Spaghetti Sauce To Freeze From Fresh Tomatoes
There is nothing quite like the taste of a homemade spaghetti sauce made from fresh tomatoes. But what do you do with all those leftover tomatoes? One solution is to freeze them and use them later to make a delicious sauce that is perfect for any pasta dish. Here, we will guide you through the process of making spaghetti sauce to freeze from fresh tomatoes.
Choosing the Right Tomatoes
The first step in making spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes is to choose the right ones. You want to look for tomatoes that are ripe but not overripe. Overripe tomatoes will be too soft and have a mushy texture, which will not work well for making sauce. You also want to choose tomatoes that are firm and have a deep red color. The best varieties of tomatoes for making spaghetti sauce are Roma, San Marzano, and Plum tomatoes.
Preparing the Tomatoes
Once you have chosen the right tomatoes, it is time to prepare them for making sauce. The first step is to wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, you need to remove the stem and core from each tomato. You can do this by cutting a small X on the bottom of each tomato and removing the stem with a sharp knife. Next, blanch the tomatoes by placing them in boiling water for about 30 seconds and then immediately transferring them to a bowl of ice water. This will make it easier to remove the skins from the tomatoes.
Making the Sauce
Now that your tomatoes are prepared, it is time to make the sauce. Start by heating some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add some chopped onions and garlic to the pot and sauté them until they are soft and translucent. Then, add your prepared tomatoes to the pot and stir well. Add some salt, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar to the sauce to bring out the flavors of the tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
Once the sauce is done simmering, let it cool for a bit before transferring it to a blender or food processor. Blend the sauce until it is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunky sauce, you can skip this step. Once the sauce is blended, transfer it back to the pot and let it simmer for another 30 minutes to thicken it up a bit.
Freezing the Sauce
Now that your spaghetti sauce is ready, it is time to freeze it. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. You can use plastic containers, freezer bags, or even mason jars. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing. Label each container with the date and contents and place them in the freezer.
Your spaghetti sauce will keep in the freezer for up to six months. When you are ready to use it, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, heat it up in a pot on the stove and serve it over your favorite pasta.
Conclusion
Making spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes is a great way to use up any extra tomatoes you have on hand. By following these simple steps, you can make a delicious sauce that is perfect for any pasta dish. Freezing the sauce is also a great way to save time and have a quick and easy meal ready to go whenever you need it.
