Fresh Tomato Sauce Without a Machine

Name: Fresh Tomato Sauce Without a Machine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 cups
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 kg kg ripe tomatoes (about 4.5 lbs, washed and cored); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon sugar (to taste); 1 teaspoon salt (to taste); 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground, to taste); 1 handful fresh basil leaves (torn); 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

60 min 6 cups Easy

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Fresh Tomato Sauce Without a Machine

A vibrant and fresh tomato sauce using ripe tomatoes, made entirely by hand without any machines.

Prep

15 min

Cook

45 min

Total

60 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Tomato sauce is a staple in many cuisines, but making it with fresh tomatoes can elevate your dishes to a new level. This recipe focuses on using the natural sweetness and tartness of fresh tomatoes, creating a sauce that's both simple and delicious. Using fresh tomatoes allows you to capture the peak of their flavour, bringing a burst of freshness to your meals. Whether you're topping pasta, pizza, or using it as a base for other recipes, this sauce will surely impress.

Ingredients

Servings

Fresh Tomato Sauce Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the Tomatoes

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Score the bottom of each tomato with a small 'X'. Blanch tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water to cool. Peel and chop.

Pro tip: Blanching makes peeling easier.

Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

Pro tip: Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Add Tomatoes

Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot. Stir in sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Pro tip: Adjust sugar based on tomato sweetness.

Simmer the Sauce

Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Pro tip: Crush tomatoes with a spoon for a smoother texture.

Finish with Basil and Vinegar

Stir in torn basil leaves and red wine vinegar. Adjust seasoning to taste and remove from heat.

Pro tip: The vinegar adds a nice tang to balance flavours.

Serve or Store

Use immediately over pasta or let cool before storing in containers.

Pro tip: Cool completely before freezing.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavour.</li><li>Adjust seasoning to taste as it simmers.</li><li>Chop ingredients finely for a smoother sauce.</li><li>Freezes well for up to 3 months.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve this fresh tomato sauce over your favourite pasta, or use it as a pizza base. It pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables and meats. To store, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.