Homemade Tomato Sauce: Best Freezer-friendly Recipe
There’s nothing like the rich, vibrant flavor of homemade tomato sauce. Whether you’re making a big batch to use up an abundance of fresh tomatoes or just want to have a stock of delicious sauce on hand, this freezer-friendly recipe is a game-changer. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a versatile and flavorful tomato sauce that’s perfect for pizzas, pastas, and more.
Ingredients:
– 5 pounds of ripe tomatoes
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
– 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
– 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, remove the stems from the tomatoes and score a small “X” on the bottom of each one. This will make them easier to peel later.
2. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the tomatoes and let them cook for about 1 minute. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
3. Once the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and roughly chop them. Discard the skins and set the chopped tomatoes aside.
4. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, along with the sugar, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer.
7. Let the sauce simmer for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you cook it, the more the flavors will meld together and the sauce will thicken.
8. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.
9. Once the sauce is cool, divide it into smaller portions and transfer them to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label the containers with the date and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
This homemade tomato sauce is perfect for using in your favorite Italian dishes, or as a base for soups and stews. Having a stash of freezer-friendly sauce on hand is a great way to simplify meal prep and ensure that you always have a delicious, homemade option at your fingertips. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the convenience of having homemade tomato sauce whenever you need it.