Delicious Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Frozen Tomatoes

There’s nothing quite like the rich, hearty taste of homemade spaghetti sauce made with fresh ingredients. But what if you don’t have access to fresh tomatoes? Fear not, because with frozen tomatoes, you can still whip up a delicious and flavorful sauce that will rival any restaurant’s offering.

Using frozen tomatoes is a great way to enjoy the taste of summer well into the winter months. Tomatoes that are picked at the peak of ripeness and then frozen maintain their flavor and nutrients, making them a great option for homemade sauce. Plus, frozen tomatoes are often more affordable and readily available compared to fresh, making them a convenient choice for busy home cooks.

To make a delicious homemade spaghetti sauce with frozen tomatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– 4 cups of frozen tomatoes (chopped or whole)
– 1 onion, diced
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
– 1/2 cup of red wine (optional)
– Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant.

3. If using whole frozen tomatoes, place them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to thaw slightly. Once thawed, gently squeeze the tomatoes to remove excess liquid and then chop them into smaller pieces.

4. Add the chopped tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Stir in the tomato paste and sugar (if using) to help enhance the flavor and balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

6. If using red wine, pour it into the sauce and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

7. Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

8. Serve the sauce over your favorite cooked pasta and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

This homemade spaghetti sauce with frozen tomatoes is a flavorful and versatile option for any pasta dish. It can also be used as a base for other Italian recipes like lasagna, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce for garlic bread. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can enjoy the taste of delicious homemade spaghetti sauce all year round. Buon appetito!