Homemade tomato sauce truly is a labor of love! It’s great that you’re able to use your own garden tomatoes, especially when they come fresh off the vine. The skins add flavor and texture, so skipping the peeling step works beautifully and saves time. Here’s a simple recipe you can try that uses your fresh tomatoes:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds fresh tomatoes (about 8-10 medium-sized)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh if you have it)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions:
Prepare the tomatoes:
- Wash your tomatoes and cut them into quarters. Since you don’t peel them, you can use them as they are.
Cook the aromatics:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
Simmer the tomatoes:
- Add the quartered tomatoes to the pot and stir. Allow them to cook for about 10-15 minutes, until they break down and soften. You can use a spoon or potato masher to help break the tomatoes up further.
Season the sauce:
- Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally.
Blend (optional):
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender right in the pot, or transfer the sauce to a blender. If you prefer it chunky, skip this step!
Taste and adjust:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If it’s too acidic, a bit more sugar can help. If it’s too thick, add a little water or broth.
Serve or store:
- Serve the sauce immediately with your favorite pasta, or store it in jars or containers to refrigerate or freeze for later use.
Using your fresh tomatoes brings so much flavor to the sauce, and it’s amazing how easy it can be to make something so delicious from scratch!
