Homemade Tomato Sauce: Freeze for Later Use

There’s something so satisfying about making your own tomato sauce from scratch. It’s the perfect way to use up an abundance of fresh tomatoes and the end result is so much tastier than anything you can buy in a jar. Plus, with just a few basic ingredients, you can easily whip up a batch of homemade tomato sauce and freeze it for later use.

Freezing tomato sauce is a great way to preserve the abundance of tomatoes during the peak of their season. It’s also a convenient way to always have a delicious and versatile sauce on hand for easy weeknight meals. Whether you’re making a big batch of pasta, a comforting lasagna, or a simple pizza, having homemade tomato sauce in the freezer is a game-changer.

To make the perfect homemade tomato sauce, you only need a few key ingredients and a bit of time. Here’s a simple and flavorful recipe for homemade tomato sauce that you can make in a big batch and freeze for later use.

Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe:

Ingredients:
– 10 pounds of ripe tomatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the tomatoes. Score the bottom of each tomato with an “X” and then blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Remove the tomatoes and place them in ice water to cool. Once cooled, peel the tomatoes and remove the cores. Roughly chop the tomatoes and set aside.

2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

3. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, salt, sugar, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce cook, uncovered, for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. As the tomatoes break down, use a wooden spoon to crush them further.

4. Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, remove it from the heat. Stir in the chopped basil and let the sauce cool to room temperature.

5. Once the sauce has cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Label and date the containers and then place them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

When you’re ready to use the sauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or defrost it in the microwave. Use the homemade tomato sauce in your favorite recipes and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of summer all year long.