As summer reaches its peak, many of us are enjoying the bounty of fresh produce from our gardens or local farmers markets. One of the best ways to savor the taste of summer is by creating delicious homemade recipes with these fresh, seasonal ingredients. And what better way to do so than with garden tomatoes and a homemade spaghetti sauce?

There’s nothing quite like the taste of ripe, juicy tomatoes straight from the vine. When it comes to making spaghetti sauce, using fresh tomatoes can elevate the flavors and bring a burst of summer into your kitchen. Whether you have an abundance of tomatoes from your garden or found a good deal at the market, making your own sauce is a fantastic way to use them up and enjoy their delicious flavor all year long.

Here is a simple and delicious recipe for homemade spaghetti sauce using garden tomatoes:

Ingredients:
– 10-12 medium-sized ripe tomatoes
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 carrot, grated
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
– Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:
1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl.
2. Score an “X” on the bottom of each tomato with a sharp knife. Place the tomatoes in the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove them and immediately transfer to the ice bath. This will make it easier to peel the tomatoes.
3. When the tomatoes have cooled, remove them from the ice bath and peel off the skins. Chop the tomatoes, discarding the stems and cores.
4. In a large saucepan or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and grated carrot. Cook until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, along with the dried herbs. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes will break down and the flavors will intensify as the sauce cooks.
7. If the sauce is too acidic, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
9. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth, or transfer it to a blender and puree in batches until smooth.
10. Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, garnished with freshly chopped basil.

This homemade spaghetti sauce is bursting with the flavors of summer and is a wonderful way to enjoy the abundance of fresh garden tomatoes. Whether you use it immediately or preserve it for later, this sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, savor the taste of summer with this homemade spaghetti sauce recipe and enjoy the delicious flavors of the season.