Tomato sauce is a flavorful and adaptable ingredient that complements a wide variety of dishes. Preparing it from scratch with fresh, ripe tomatoes is both simple and enhances the taste of your meals. Here’s a straightforward guide to making homemade tomato sauce using just a handful of ingredients.
2 pounds of fresh, ripe tomatoes (about 9 medium-sized)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
Salt and pepper to taste
– Step 1:
Score a small “x” at the bottom of each tomato. Then, blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Once done, remove the tomatoes and immediately place them in cold water to stop the cooking process. Peel off the skins, remove the seeds, and roughly chop the tomatoes.
– Step 2:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook them until soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
– Step 3:
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, then stir in the fresh basil (or dried basil), pepper, salt, and a pinch of sugar if you’d like to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
– Step 4:
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce using a blender or food processor until it reaches your desired consistency.
Making homemade tomato sauce gives you full control over the ingredients, enabling you to adjust the flavor to your liking. It’s also a healthier alternative to store-bought versions that often contain preservatives or added sugars. With fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and some simple seasonings, you can create a rich and flavorful sauce that elevates any pasta dish, pizza, or even as a base for soups.
