There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, homemade spaghetti sauce. And if you have an abundance of fresh, ripe tomatoes, making a batch of homemade freezer spaghetti sauce is a great way to preserve the flavors of summer for later enjoyment. Not only is it a delicious and satisfying way to use up an overabundance of tomatoes, but having a batch of homemade spaghetti sauce in the freezer means you’ll have a quick and easy meal ready to go any time.
The key to making the best homemade freezer spaghetti sauce is using the freshest, ripest tomatoes you can find. Whether you grow your own or pick them up at a local farmers’ market, ripe, juicy tomatoes are the secret ingredient that makes this sauce truly unforgettable. The process may seem a bit time-consuming, but the end result is definitely worth it.
To make a delicious homemade freezer spaghetti sauce using fresh tomatoes, follow this simple recipe:
Ingredients:
– 5-6 lbs of fresh, ripe tomatoes
– 1 large onion, diced
– 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
– 1 tablespoon of dried basil
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (optional, to taste)
– 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the tomatoes by washing them and removing the stems. Cut an “X” at the bottom of each tomato and place them in a large pot of boiling water for about 1 minute. Transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water to cool, then peel off the skins. Cut the tomatoes in half and remove the seeds.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic, and sauté until they are soft and translucent.
3. Add the peeled and seeded tomatoes to the pot, along with the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
4. If desired, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. (Alternatively, you can keep the sauce chunky if you prefer.)
5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce tastes too acidic, you can add a tablespoon or two of sugar to balance out the flavors. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley, if using.
6. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags for freezing. Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 6 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade freezer spaghetti sauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove and serve over your favorite pasta. You can even use it as a base for homemade pizza or as a sauce for meatballs and sandwiches.
Whether you’re looking to put your homegrown tomatoes to good use or simply want to savor the taste of fresh, homemade spaghetti sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. The rich, vibrant flavors of the fresh tomatoes and the aromatic herbs will make this freezer spaghetti sauce a staple in your kitchen all year round.