To start, gather your ingredients. You will need 2.5 pounds of fresh, ripe tomatoes, 1 medium-sized onion, 4 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a handful of fresh basil leaves, salt, and pepper. These simple ingredients serve as the foundation for a flavorful and authentic tomato sauce.
Begin by preparing the tomatoes. Boil a pot of water, and make a small “X” on the bottom of each tomato. One by one, carefully drop the tomatoes into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, or until the skin begins to peel. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water, allowing them to cool. Once cool, peel off the skin and discard it.
Next, the cores and seeds from the tomatoes. Cut each tomato in half horizontally, scoop out the seeds and discard them. Chopping the tomatoes into small, uniform pieces will ensure they cook evenly and allow the flavors to meld together more effectively. Your tomatoes are now ready for the sauce-making process.
Dice the onion and mince the garlic. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they become soft and translucent, which typically takes around 5 minutes. Take care not to let them brown, as they can impart a bitter taste to the sauce.
Now, it’s time to add the prepared tomatoes to the saucepan. Stir well, coating the onions and garlic with the tomato juices. Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and use a wooden spoon to break down the tomatoes as they cook.
While the sauce simmers, tear the basil leaves into small pieces. After the 45 minute mark, add the torn basil leaves to the sauce, stirring well to incorporate them. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue simmering the sauce for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to intensify and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat. At this point, you may choose to leave the sauce as is, with a slightly chunky texture, or use an immersion blender to it into a smoother consistency.
Congratulations! You have successfully made homemade tomato sauce. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers, which can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Alternatively, if you have a surplus, homemade tomato sauce can be frozen for future use, maintaining its freshness and flavor for up to three months.
Now, armed with your own homemade tomato sauce, you can take your culinary creations to the next level. Whether you are making a classic pasta dish, a hearty pot of chili, or a homemade pizza, your flavorful sauce will be the star of the show. Sit back, savor the fruits of your labor, and enjoy the delectable taste of the homemade tomato sauce you created with love.