Gather the Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s start by gathering all the necessary ingredients:
- 2 ½ pounds of fresh tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
Prepare the Tomatoes
Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Once clean, remove the stems and cut a small “X” on the bottom of each tomato. This will make it easier to peel off the skin later. Set aside.
Blanch and Peel the Tomatoes
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Carefully drop the tomatoes into the boiling water and let them cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until the skins start to loosen.
While the tomatoes are boiling, prepare an ice bath in a bowl filled with cold water and ice cubes. Once the tomatoes are done, use a slotted spoon to transfer them from the pot to the ice bath. Let them cool for a few minutes.
Once the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, gently peel off the skins. The “X” you made earlier will make this process easier. Discard the skins and set aside the peeled tomatoes.
Cook the Tomato Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
Roughly chop the peeled tomatoes and add them to the saucepan. Stir in the sugar, salt, dried oregano, and chopped basil leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let the tomato sauce cook, uncovered, for about 1 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check the seasoning. Feel free to adjust the flavors according to your taste.
Blend or Leave Chunky
Once the sauce has cooked to a desired consistency, you can decide whether to leave it chunky or blend it smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender. This step is entirely up to your personal preference.
Final Touches
Before serving, taste the sauce once again and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a little water or vegetable broth to achieve the desired consistency. Allow the sauce to cool before storing it in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator.
Congratulations on mastering the art of making fresh tomato sauce! By following this step-by-step guide, you have equipped yourself with the skills to create a flavorful and versatile sauce that can elevate any pasta dish or even be used as a dipping sauce. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and savor the satisfaction of creating a homemade sauce from scratch!