From Garden to Table: Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes

There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade spaghetti sauce made with fresh, ripe tomatoes from the garden. This delicious and versatile sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, from classic spaghetti and meatballs to lasagna, pizza, or even as a dip for breadsticks. The best part is that it’s surprisingly easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients.

To start, you’ll need a batch of fresh, ripe tomatoes from your garden or local farmer’s market. The best tomatoes for making sauce are plum or roma tomatoes, as they are meaty and have a low water content. You’ll also need a few other ingredients, such as onions, garlic, olive oil, herbs, and seasonings.

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes Recipe:

Ingredients:
– 5 lbs fresh tomatoes, preferably plum or roma
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes)

Instructions:
1. First, you’ll need to prepare the tomatoes by removing the skins. To do this, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Score an “X” on the bottom of each tomato with a sharp knife and carefully drop them into the boiling water for 30-60 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water to cool. The skins should then slip off easily.

2. Once the skins are removed, core the tomatoes and roughly chop them. Set aside.

3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

4. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, along with the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for at least 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you let it simmer, the more flavorful it will become.

6. If desired, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can leave it chunky for a more rustic texture.

7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as necessary. If the tomatoes are particularly acidic, you may want to add a tablespoon of sugar to balance it out.

Your homemade spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes is now ready to use in your favorite dishes. It can be enjoyed right away or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage.

There’s something truly satisfying about creating a delicious sauce from scratch using homegrown ingredients. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the flavors of summer all year long. So grab those ripe tomatoes from the garden and get saucy in the kitchen!