If you have an abundance of fresh tomatoes from your garden or local farmers’ market, one delicious way to preserve and enjoy them year-round is by making a freezer spaghetti sauce. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and the best part is that you can enjoy a taste of summer even during the colder months.

To start, you will need the following ingredients:
– 8-10 pounds of fresh tomatoes
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, chopped
– 1 carrot, grated
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1/4 cup of red wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons of tomato paste

Instructions:
1. Start by blanching the tomatoes: bring a large pot of water to a boil and prepare an ice bath. Cut a small X on the bottom of each tomato and carefully drop them into the boiling water. After about 30 seconds, remove the tomatoes and place them in the ice bath. This will make the skins easy to peel. Once they have cooled, peel the tomatoes and roughly chop them.

2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot, and cook until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add the chopped tomatoes, dried herbs, salt, and pepper to the pot. If using, pour in the red wine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. After the sauce has cooked down and the tomatoes have broken down, stir in the tomato paste. Let the sauce cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken.

5. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, let it cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. Label the containers with the date and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade spaghetti sauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or on the countertop for a few hours. You can use it as a base for your favorite pasta dishes, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce for garlic bread.

This freezer spaghetti sauce is a great way to use up an abundance of fresh tomatoes and enjoy the taste of summer all year long. Plus, it’s a healthier and more flavorful alternative to store-bought sauces. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself just how delicious and convenient it can be!