Fresh Tomato Sauce

There’s nothing quite like the robust, fresh flavor of homemade tomato sauce made from vine-ripened tomatoes. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating a delectable Fresh Tomato Sauce that can be used immediately, stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for up to 6 months. Whether you’re looking to elevate your pasta dishes, pizzas, or other culinary creations, this sauce is a versatile and flavorful addition to your kitchen repertoire.

Yields 4 cups

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 1/2 pounds fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated cane sugar
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start by heating the olive oil in your pressure cooker over medium heat. Allow the oil to come to temperature.
2. Add the minced garlic to the heated oil and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.
3. While the garlic is sautéing, peel and dice the fresh tomatoes. Add the diced tomatoes to the pressure cooker along with any juice that may have accumulated from the tomatoes.
4. Stir in the dried parsley, dried basil, balsamic vinegar, granulated cane sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure that all the ingredients are well combined.
5. Lock the lid in place on your pressure cooker and bring it to low pressure. Maintain this pressure for 10 minutes.
6. After the 10 minutes of low-pressure cooking, remove the pressure cooker from heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
7. Once it’s safe to do so, remove the lid and give the sauce a good stir. If you prefer a thicker sauce, return it to heat and simmer it uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until it reaches your desired thickness.

USES:

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

• Pasta Sauce: Toss it with your favorite pasta for a simple and satisfying meal. Add grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an extra layer of flavor.
• Pizza Sauce: Spread it on pizza dough as a flavorful pizza sauce base, then top with your favorite 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 or minestrone soup, adding 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.
• Grilled Vegetables: Brush it onto grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers, for a savory glaze.
• Marinara for Meat or Fish: Use it as a marinara sauce for chicken, fish, or meat dishes.
• Sandwich Spread: Spread it on sandwiches, particularly with mozzarella cheese, grilled chicken, or meatballs, for an extra burst of flavor.
• Casserole Layer: Layer it into lasagna or other baked pasta dishes to add a burst of flavor between the pasta layers.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, garlic bread, or mozzarella sticks.

This Fresh Tomato Sauce captures the essence of ripe tomatoes and 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 freshly made tomato sauce year-round!