Basic Fresh Tomato Sauce

As August and September roll around, the East welcomes the bountiful tomato harvest season. It’s the time when many home cooks capture the essence of summer by preserving the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes in jars of fruity tomato sauce. This homemade treasure can last throughout the year, whether you choose to freeze it or can it for future enjoyment. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making a Basic Fresh Tomato Sauce that serves as a versatile base for a multitude of culinary creations.

Yields 1 quart

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 pounds tomatoes, preferably Roma plum tomatoes (but any variety will do)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup washed fresh basil leaves, stems removed (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Begin by preparing the tomatoes. Halve them and squeeze out as many seeds as possible. Then, dice the tomatoes into small pieces.
2. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it’s hot enough to sizzle when a piece of onion is added.
3. Add the roughly chopped onion to the heated oil. Cook until the onion softens and starts to brown slightly, which should take about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the chopped garlic, sugar, and tomato paste. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5. Add the diced tomatoes to the saucepan and cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes brothy.
6. Uncover the saucepan, lower the flame to a slow simmer, and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes. During this time, the tomatoes will fully soften, and the flavors will meld together. Season the sauce to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
7. If you prefer a chunky sauce, you can add the washed fresh basil leaves at this point, if desired.
8. For a smoother sauce, purée the mixture and strain it to remove any remaining solids. Then, add the basil leaves to the sauce at the end.

Uses:

Now that you have your Basic Fresh Tomato Sauce ready, here are some delicious uses for it:

• Pasta Sauce: Toss it with your favorite pasta for a classic and comforting meal.
• Pizza Sauce: Spread it on pizza dough as a flavorful pizza sauce base, then add your preferred toppings and cheese.
• Rice or Quinoa Bowl: Drizzle it over a bowl of cooked rice or quinoa, along with sautéed vegetables and your choice of protein for a quick and tasty meal.
• Soup Base: Use it as a base for tomato soup, minestrone, or vegetable soups to add depth and richness to your homemade soups.
• Stews and Braises: Incorporate it into meat or vegetable stews and braises for a burst of tomato flavor.
• Sautéed Vegetables: Use it as a flavorful sauce for sautéed vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Marinara for Meat or Fish: Use it as a marinara sauce for chicken, fish, or meat dishes.
• Sandwich Spread: Spread it on sandwiches, paninis, or wraps for an extra layer of flavor.
• Casserole Base: Use it as a base for casseroles like lasagna or baked pasta dishes.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, garlic bread, or appetizers.

This Basic Fresh Tomato Sauce is a versatile and essential addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you use it as a foundation for traditional Italian dishes or get creative with its applications, its vibrant and authentic tomato flavor is sure to enhance your culinary creations. Enjoy the taste of summer year-round with this homemade sauce!