Preserving the Harvest: Fresh Tomato Spaghetti Sauce
There’s nothing like the taste of fresh, homegrown tomatoes in the summer. But what do you do when you have an abundance of tomatoes from your garden? One great way to make the most of your harvest is to preserve them by making a delicious spaghetti sauce that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Not only does this allow you to savor the flavors of summer during the colder months, but it also provides a convenient and healthy option for quick, homemade meals.
When it comes to making fresh tomato spaghetti sauce, there are a few key ingredients that are essential. First and foremost, you’ll need an abundance of ripe, juicy tomatoes. Whether you have heirlooms, Romas, or cherry tomatoes, any variety can be used to create a flavorful sauce. You’ll also need onions, garlic, olive oil, and a mixture of fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme to enhance the taste of the tomatoes.
To begin, start by blanching the tomatoes in boiling water for about a minute, then transfer them to an ice water bath to easily remove the skins. Once the skins have been removed, it’s time to chop the tomatoes into pieces, discarding the cores and any tough parts. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant. Then, add in the chopped tomatoes and let them simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
As the tomatoes cook down, the flavors will intensify, and the sauce will thicken. At this point, it’s time to add your herbs and seasonings to create a rich, aromatic sauce. Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, it can be ladled into clean, sterilized jars and processed in a water bath canner for long-term storage. Alternatively, you can freeze the sauce in airtight containers for later use.
This homemade spaghetti sauce can be used as a base for various pasta dishes, pizza toppings, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. Not only does it provide a burst of fresh flavor, but it’s also free of preservatives and artificial additives commonly found in store-bought sauces. Plus, knowing that it’s made from your own homegrown tomatoes makes it all the more satisfying.
By preserving the harvest in the form of fresh tomato spaghetti sauce, you can enjoy the taste of summer’s bounty all year round. The process of making and canning the sauce may take time and effort, but the reward of having a pantry stocked with homemade, wholesome spaghetti sauce is well worth it.
Homemade Fresh Tomato Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
– 10-12 lbs fresh tomatoes
– 2 large onions, finely chopped
– 6 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
– 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, prepare an ice water bath in a separate bowl.
2. Score the bottom of each tomato with a small “X.” Drop the tomatoes into the boiling water and blanch for about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to the ice water bath to cool.
3. Once the tomatoes have cooled, remove the skins and discard. Core the tomatoes and chop them into small pieces, discarding any tough parts.
4. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
6. Once the tomatoes have cooked down and the sauce has thickened, add in the fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Ladle the hot sauce into clean, sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth, and seal with canning lids and rings.
8. Process the jars in a boiling water bath canner for 35 minutes (adjust the processing time for altitude if necessary).
9. Once the jars have been processed and cooled, check the seals and store in a cool, dark place.
Enjoy your fresh tomato spaghetti sauce on your favorite pasta dishes, and savor the taste of summer all year round!