From Freezer to Table: Making Spaghetti Sauce with Frozen Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a staple ingredient in many dishes, especially in Italian cuisine. However, finding fresh, ripe tomatoes year-round can be a challenge. One solution to this problem is to freeze tomatoes when they are in season and use them later to make delicious spaghetti sauce. This method allows you to have the fresh taste of tomatoes in your sauce even in the middle of winter.

Making spaghetti sauce with frozen tomatoes is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of summer all year long. In this article, we will share a recipe for a basic spaghetti sauce using frozen tomatoes, along with some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your frozen tomatoes.

To start, you will need the following ingredients:

– 3 cups of frozen tomatoes (cherry tomatoes work great, but any variety will do)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
– 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the frozen tomatoes to the pot. As the tomatoes thaw, use a wooden spoon to break them up and release their juices.

3. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.

4. Add the tomato paste and chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to incorporate the tomato paste into the sauce.

5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce starts to get too thick, you can add more broth or water to thin it out.

6. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. If the sauce is too acidic, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to balance it out.

7. Serve the spaghetti sauce over cooked pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for using frozen tomatoes:

– When freezing tomatoes, be sure to remove the skins before freezing. The skins can become tough and unpleasant when frozen.
– Frozen tomatoes are great for making sauce but may not be as good for fresh applications like salads or sandwiches.
– You can also freeze other ingredients like bell peppers, onions, and garlic to add to your sauce for extra flavor.

In conclusion, making spaghetti sauce with frozen tomatoes is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the taste of summer all year long. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a flavorful and satisfying sauce that your whole family will love. Give it a try and see how easy it is to go from freezer to table with this tasty spaghetti sauce recipe.