Freeze Fresh Tomato Spaghetti Sauce for Storage
If you have an abundance of fresh tomatoes from your garden or local farmer’s market, making a big batch of spaghetti sauce is a great way to preserve them for later use. While canning is a popular method for preserving tomato sauce, freezing it can be a more convenient and space-saving option. Freezing fresh tomato spaghetti sauce allows you to enjoy the delicious flavors of garden-fresh tomatoes all year round.
Sauce Recipe:
Ingredients:
– 8-10 pounds of fresh tomatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the tomatoes by washing and removing any stems. Cut a small “X” in the bottom of each tomato.
2. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the tomatoes to the boiling water and blanch them for 1-2 minutes, or until the skins start to peel away.
3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once they have cooled, remove the skins and discard them.
4. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces and set them aside.
5. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until they are softened and fragrant.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, along with the salt, sugar, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
7. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
8. Stir in the chopped basil, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using) and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
9. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to storage containers. You can use freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags for storage.
10. Label the containers with the date and freeze the sauce for up to 6 months.
When you’re ready to use the frozen spaghetti sauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or defrost it in the microwave. You can then heat it on the stove and serve it over your favorite pasta for a delicious and convenient meal.
Freezing fresh tomato spaghetti sauce is a simple and effective way to store the flavors of summer for enjoyment throughout the year. With this easy recipe, you can savor the taste of garden-fresh tomatoes whenever you like.