Savor the Flavor: Garden Tomato Spaghetti Sauce
When it comes to making spaghetti sauce, there’s nothing quite like using fresh, garden tomatoes to create a sauce bursting with flavor. Whether you’re growing your own tomatoes or picking them up from a local farmers market, using fresh tomatoes as the base for your sauce will elevate your pasta dish to a whole new level. Not only does using fresh tomatoes add a depth of flavor to your sauce, but it also provides a healthier and more natural alternative to store-bought sauces that are often packed with added sugars and preservatives.
Garden Tomato Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
– 10-12 ripe garden tomatoes
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Start by preparing the tomatoes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Using a sharp knife, score an “X” on the bottom of each tomato. Drop the tomatoes into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This will make it easier to peel the tomatoes. Once they are cool enough to handle, remove the tomatoes from the ice water, peel off the skin, and chop them into chunks.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, along with the dried oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4. Allow the sauce to simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens.
5. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree the sauce.
6. Serve the garden tomato spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, garnished with freshly chopped basil leaves.
This garden tomato spaghetti sauce is a true celebration of summer’s bountiful harvest, and it’s a delicious way to savor the flavor of fresh, ripe tomatoes. So the next time you have an abundance of garden tomatoes, give this recipe a try and experience the difference that fresh, homemade sauce can make in your pasta dishes.