Fresh Tomato Spaghetti Sauce To Freeze
Tomatoes are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. Whether you prefer them raw or cooked, tomatoes add a burst of flavor and nutrition to any dish. One of the most popular ways to use tomatoes is to make fresh tomato spaghetti sauce. This classic sauce is a staple in many households, and can be used as a base for a variety of pasta dishes.
If you have a surplus of fresh tomatoes, making spaghetti sauce is a great way to use them up. And the best part is, you can make a large batch of sauce and freeze it for later use. This means you can enjoy the taste of fresh tomatoes all year round, even when they are out of season. In this article, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make fresh tomato spaghetti sauce to freeze.
Ingredients
Before you start making the sauce, you will need to gather the following ingredients:
- 5-6 pounds of fresh tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make fresh tomato spaghetti sauce to freeze:
- Wash the tomatoes and remove the stems. Cut them into quarters and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the tomatoes have broken down and released their juices.
- Add the salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you simmer the sauce, the more flavorful it will be.
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender or transfer it to a blender and puree until smooth.
- Once the sauce has cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label each container with the date and freeze for up to 6 months.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make the most out of your fresh tomato spaghetti sauce:
- You can add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots, for added flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a tablespoon of sugar or honey to the pot.
- You can use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs for a more intense flavor.
- If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned tomatoes instead. Just make sure to drain them before adding them to the pot.
Conclusion
Fresh tomato spaghetti sauce to freeze is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the taste of fresh tomatoes all year round. By following these simple instructions, you can make a large batch of sauce and store it in the freezer for later use. Whether you use it as a base for pasta dishes or as a topping for pizza, this sauce is sure to impress. So, next time you have a surplus of fresh tomatoes, give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of summer all year round!