Preserving Homemade Tomato Sauce for Freezing
One of the joys of summer is the abundance of fresh, ripe tomatoes. And what better way to enjoy them all year round than by making and preserving your own homemade tomato sauce? Freezing homemade tomato sauce is a simple and convenient way to keep the flavors of summer close at hand, even during the coldest months. With a few key ingredients and some careful preparation, you can preserve the vibrant taste of fresh tomatoes in a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes.
To begin, you will need the following ingredients:
– 10 pounds of fresh ripe tomatoes, preferably plum tomatoes
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons of salt
– 1 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon of sugar (optional)
– 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the tomatoes by washing them thoroughly and removing the stems. Using a paring knife, score an “X” on the bottom of each tomato.
2. Boil a large pot of water and gently lower the tomatoes into the water. Allow them to blanch for 30-60 seconds, or until the skins begin to peel back. Remove the tomatoes from the boiling water and immediately plunge them into an ice water bath to stop the cooking process.
3. Once the tomatoes have cooled, peel off the skins and chop them into small pieces, discarding the cores. Set the chopped tomatoes aside.
4. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, along with the salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Stir well to combine.
6. Allow the sauce to simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 hours or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add the sugar at this point.
7. Once the sauce has finished cooking, remove it from the heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley, if using.
8. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. Remember to leave some room at the top of the containers for expansion as the sauce freezes.
9. Label the containers with the date and freeze the sauce for up to 6-8 months.
When you’re ready to use your homemade tomato sauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or defrost it in the microwave. It can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta, pizza, soups, and stews.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the delicious taste of homemade tomato sauce throughout the year, all while preserving the flavors of summer’s bounty. So go ahead and stock up on fresh tomatoes while they’re in season, and enjoy the convenience of having homemade tomato sauce at your fingertips whenever you need it.