Freeze & Cook: Homemade Spaghetti Sauce from Tomatoes
There’s nothing quite like the rich, savory flavor of homemade spaghetti sauce made from fresh, ripe tomatoes. This classic Italian staple is a family favorite and can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from pasta to pizza to meatballs. While the thought of making sauce from scratch may seem daunting, with the right techniques and a bit of time, anyone can create a delicious, homemade sauce that will rival anything you can find in a jar at the store.
One of the best things about making homemade spaghetti sauce is that it can be easily frozen and enjoyed throughout the year. This means that you can take advantage of an abundance of fresh tomatoes during the summer months and always have a delicious, homemade sauce on hand, even when tomatoes are out of season.
To make a homemade spaghetti sauce from tomatoes, you’ll need a few key ingredients and some patience. Here is a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
– 10 pounds of fresh, ripe tomatoes
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
– 1/4 cup of fresh oregano, chopped
– 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Start by blanching and peeling the tomatoes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and prepare a large bowl of ice water. Using a paring knife, score a small “x” on the bottom of each tomato. Carefully lower the tomatoes into the boiling water and let them cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the skins start to loosen. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to the ice water to cool. Once cooled, peel off the skins and discard them.
2. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces and set aside.
3. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, basil, oregano, parsley, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook, uncovered, for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
6. Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 6 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade spaghetti sauce, simply defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop. Serve it over your favorite pasta and enjoy the delicious, fresh flavors of summer any time of the year.
Making homemade spaghetti sauce from tomatoes is a labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort. With this recipe, you can enjoy the taste of summer all year long, and impress your family and friends with your culinary prowess. So go ahead and stock up on fresh tomatoes, and get ready to savor the delicious flavor of homemade spaghetti sauce.