There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade tomato sauce, and luckily, making your own is easier than you might think. Not only does it taste better than store-bought sauce, but it’s also a great way to use up an abundance of fresh tomatoes from your garden or the farmers’ market. Plus, you can make a big batch and freeze it for later use, making meal prep a breeze. With just a few simple ingredients and a couple of hours of simmering, you can have a delicious and versatile sauce that will enhance any pasta dish, pizza, or dip.

Here is a quick and easy homemade tomato sauce recipe that you can make in large batches and freeze for later use:

Ingredients:
– 5 pounds of fresh tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped
– 1 large onion, diced
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

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

2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the chopped tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

4. Let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 hours until it has thickened and the flavors have melded together.

5. Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

6. Use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and puree until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip this step.

7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Be sure to leave some room for expansion if using containers.

9. Label the containers with the date and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

This homemade tomato sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re making a classic spaghetti and meatballs, a hearty lasagna, or a simple margherita pizza, having this sauce on hand will save you time and effort in the kitchen. And the best part? You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you made it yourself, without any preservatives or artificial additives.

So the next time you have an abundance of fresh tomatoes, or if you simply want to elevate your cooking with a from-scratch tomato sauce, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!