There’s something so satisfying and comforting about a big bowl of spaghetti covered in homemade tomato sauce. And when you make that sauce from scratch using fresh, ripe tomatoes, the flavor is unbeatable. This recipe for homemade spaghetti sauce showcases the sweet, tangy flavor of fresh, in-season tomatoes, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. The best part? You don’t even have to peel the tomatoes!

Using fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones may take a little extra effort, but the end result is well worth it. You’ll be rewarded with a sauce that tastes like summertime in a bowl. Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s going into your sauce – no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial flavors. Just pure, fresh ingredients.

To make this homemade spaghetti sauce, you’ll need:

– 3 pounds of fresh, ripe tomatoes
– 1 large onion, finely diced
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (optional, for extra depth of flavor)

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the tomatoes. Cut a small “X” into the bottom of each tomato and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully place the tomatoes in the boiling water and let them cook for about 1-2 minutes. This will help loosen the skins.

2. Remove the tomatoes from the boiling water using a slotted spoon and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. Once they’ve cooled down, you should be able to easily peel off the skins. However, for this recipe, you can skip this step and leave the skins on for a more rustic sauce.

3. Dice the tomatoes into medium-sized pieces, discarding the cores, and set them aside.

4. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

5. Add the diced tomatoes, oregano, and basil to the pot, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a deeper flavor, add the tomato paste at this point. Stir everything together, then bring the sauce to a simmer.

6. Let the sauce simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes will break down and release their natural juices, creating a thick and flavorful sauce.

7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree it to your desired consistency.

Your homemade spaghetti sauce is now ready to be tossed with your favorite pasta and topped with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese. This sauce can also be frozen and saved for future use.

This homemade spaghetti sauce is a labor of love, but the taste is unparalleled. Using fresh tomatoes and a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a sauce that will take your pasta dishes to the next level. Enjoy the flavors of summer all year round with this no-peel fresh tomato version of homemade spaghetti sauce.