Ingredients:
- 10-12 fresh tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tomatoes: First, you’ll need to blanch and peel the tomatoes. Make an ‘X’ incision on the bottom of each tomato with a sharp knife. Place them in a pot of boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer them into an ice bath. Once cooled, the skins should peel off easily. Remove the cores and chop the tomatoes.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, around 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Sauce: Add the chopped tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. If you like a slightly sweeter sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, add the sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
- Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 2 hours. For a deeper flavor, you can simmer it for up to 4 hours. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce right in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can use a standard blender, but make sure the sauce has cooled somewhat before blending to avoid accidents.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste your sauce and add extra salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
- Store or Serve: You can use the sauce immediately, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or can/freeze it for longer storage.
Enjoy this homemade tomato sauce with your favourite pasta, pizza, or any dish that calls for a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. The freshness of homegrown tomatoes makes a world of difference!