Flavorful Freezer Spaghetti Sauce from Fresh Tomatoes

There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade spaghetti sauce made from fresh tomatoes. The rich, savory flavors of ripe, juicy tomatoes combined with aromatic herbs and spices create a delicious sauce that can elevate any pasta dish. If you have an abundance of tomatoes from your garden or local farmers’ market, making a batch of freezer spaghetti sauce is a great way to preserve the flavors of summer for year-round enjoyment.

With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a flavorful freezer spaghetti sauce that will rival any store-bought version. Plus, having a stash of homemade sauce in the freezer means you’ll always have a quick and delicious meal at your fingertips.

To get started, you’ll need a large batch of ripe tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for using up any excess tomatoes that you might have on hand. You’ll also need onions, garlic, olive oil, fresh herbs (such as basil and oregano), salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to help balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to making a delicious freezer spaghetti sauce:

Ingredients:
– 5 pounds of ripe tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped
– 2 onions, finely chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
– 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano, chopped
– 2 teaspoons of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1 teaspoon of sugar

Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and bring to a simmer. Allow the tomatoes to cook down, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes.

3. Once the tomatoes have cooked down and released their juices, use a potato masher to break them down further. This will help create a smoother sauce.

4. Stir in the fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and sugar. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

6. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the sauce until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter.

7. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers or bags to allow for expansion as the sauce freezes.

8. Label the containers with the date and store the sauce in the freezer for up to 6 months.

When you’re ready to use the sauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or place the container in a bowl of warm water to expedite the process. Reheat the sauce on the stovetop and serve it over your favorite pasta for a delicious, homemade meal.

With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the flavors of fresh tomatoes all year long. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, having a batch of freezer spaghetti sauce on hand will make mealtime a breeze. Plus, knowing that you made it from scratch with quality ingredients will make each bite even more satisfying. Give it a try and experience the difference that homemade sauce can make in your pasta dishes.