There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade spaghetti sauce made from garden-fresh tomatoes. This easy recipe is the perfect way to use up those ripe tomatoes from your garden and create a delicious, flavorful sauce that will elevate any pasta dish to a whole new level. Not only is it incredibly simple to make, but it’s also a much healthier alternative to store-bought sauces that are often loaded with preservatives and added sugars.

To start, you’ll need about 3-4 pounds of ripe tomatoes. If you don’t have your own garden, consider visiting a local farmer’s market to pick up some fresh, in-season tomatoes. The variety of tomatoes you use is up to you, but Roma or San Marzano tomatoes are great options for making sauce due to their meaty texture and low moisture content.

After you have your tomatoes, the first step is to blanch and peel them. This can be done by bringing a large pot of water to a boil and making a small slit in the skin of each tomato. Place the tomatoes in the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice water bath. The skins should easily peel off after this process.

Once the tomatoes are peeled, it’s time to core and dice them. Make sure to remove any green parts or blemishes from the tomatoes before dicing them into small pieces. You can also remove the seeds if you prefer a smoother sauce, although this is optional.

Now it’s time to cook the sauce. In a large pot, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced onion and 3-4 minced garlic cloves, cooking until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Next, add the diced tomatoes to the pot, along with 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. You can also add some fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme for extra flavor.

Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you let it cook, the thicker and more flavorful it will become. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree the sauce at this point.

Finally, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a bit more sugar. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes. Once you’re happy with the flavor, your homemade spaghetti sauce is ready to be served over your favorite pasta.

This easy homemade spaghetti sauce is a great way to use up an abundance of garden tomatoes. It’s simple, delicious, and far better than any store-bought sauce. Give it a try and see for yourself just how amazing fresh, homemade spaghetti sauce can be.

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe:

Ingredients:
– 3-4 pounds ripe tomatoes
– 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely diced
– 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Pinch of red pepper flakes
– Fresh herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
– Additional seasonings to taste

Instructions:
1. Blanch and peel the tomatoes, then core and dice them.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and herbs to the pot.
4. Allow the sauce to simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Puree the sauce with an immersion blender if desired.
6. Adjust seasonings to taste.
7. Serve over your favorite pasta and enjoy!