How To Make Tomato Sauce?

Tomato sauce is a versatile and delicious addition to many dishes. Whether you want to use it as a base for pasta, a topping for pizza, or a sauce for meatballs, making your own tomato sauce from scratch allows you to control the flavors and ingredients. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making homemade tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Before you start making tomato sauce, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

Follow these steps to make tomato sauce:

1. Start by blanching the tomatoes. Bring a pot of water to a boil and gently drop the tomatoes into the boiling water. Let them cook for about 1-2 minutes until the skin starts to peel off.
2. Using a slotted spoon, remove the tomatoes from the boiling water and transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This will help cool them down quickly and stop the cooking process.
3. Remove the skin from the tomatoes. The skin should easily peel off now that they have been blanched and cooled.
4. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces. You can remove the seeds if desired, but they add extra flavor to the sauce.
5. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes, sugar, salt, dried oregano, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
8. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves. This will add a fresh and aromatic element to the sauce.
9. Allow the tomato sauce to cool slightly before transferring it to a blender or using an immersion blender to puree it until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip this step.
10. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. You can add more salt, sugar, or herbs if desired.
11. Your homemade tomato sauce is now ready to be used or stored. You can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage.

Now that you know how to make tomato sauce from scratch, you can enjoy the rich flavors and freshness of homemade sauce in your favorite dishes. Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the sauce to your liking. Happy cooking!