As autumn turns into winter, many gardeners find themselves with an abundance of fresh tomatoes from their harvest. While enjoying the fruits of your labor in the moment is satisfying, it’s also important to think ahead and preserve the bounty for the colder months. One of the best ways to do so is by making and freezing fresh tomato sauce.

The process of making and freezing tomato sauce is not only practical, but it also ensures that you have access to the delicious flavor of ripe, in-season tomatoes all winter long. By following a simple recipe and freezing the sauce in batches, you can enjoy the taste of summer even when the snow is falling outside.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make and freeze fresh tomato sauce:

Ingredients:
– 12 pounds of fresh tomatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 6 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:
1. Start by preparing 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 drop them into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Remove the tomatoes and immediately place them in the ice bath. This will make the skins easy to peel. Once cooled, peel the tomatoes and remove the cores. Chop the tomatoes into quarters and set aside.

2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the tomato mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. If using a regular blender, be sure to let the sauce cool slightly before blending.

5. Once the sauce is pureed, add the chopped basil and parsley, and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

6. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. Be sure to leave some room at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion during freezing.

7. Label the containers or bags with the date and contents, and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

When you’re ready to use the sauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or defrost it in the microwave. Use it as a base for pasta dishes, pizza, or any recipe that calls for tomato sauce.

Preserving fresh tomato sauce by freezing is a simple and convenient way to enjoy the flavors of summer all year long. By following this recipe and technique, you can savor the taste of your garden’s tomatoes even when the ground is covered in snow. Happy cooking!