Are you tired of buying jars of tomato sauce only to find yourself disappointed by the taste and ingredients? Do you dream of having delicious, homemade tomato sauce ready at a moment's notice? Then you’ve come to the right place! This recipe will show you how to make a freezer-friendly tomato sauce that's bursting with flavor and incredibly convenient. This is one of those healthy meals that’s also incredibly easy, making it perfect for quick dinner ideas and busy weeknights. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped (Roma or San Marzano are ideal)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the base of your delicious tomato sauce.
Step 2: Simmer the Tomatoes
Add the chopped tomatoes to the saucepan. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
Step 3: Blend (Optional)
If you prefer a smoother sauce, carefully transfer the cooked tomato mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
Step 4: Freeze the Sauce
Once the sauce has cooled completely, pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving about ½ inch of headspace. Label the containers with the date and contents. These make excellent quick dinner ideas for those busy weeknights.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Freeze for up to 3 months. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or defrost in the microwave. This homemade tomato sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, lasagna, or any dish that calls for a rich and flavorful tomato base.
Cooking Tips for the Best Freezer Tomato Sauce:
- Use ripe tomatoes: The flavor of your sauce will be directly impacted by the quality of your tomatoes. Ripe, in-season tomatoes will give the best results.
- Don't be afraid to adjust seasonings: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You might want to add more herbs, spices, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Properly cool before freezing: Allow the sauce to cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystal formation.
- Portion appropriately: Freeze the sauce in portions that suit your family's needs. Individual portions are ideal for easy meal prep.
Variations:
- Spicy Tomato Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herby Tomato Sauce: Experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
- Roasted Tomato Sauce: Roast the tomatoes before adding them to the sauce for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 70-80 calories (depending on the amount of olive oil used)
- Fat: 4-6 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
- Protein: 2-3 grams
This easy recipe provides a delicious and convenient way to enjoy homemade tomato sauce throughout the year. It’s a simple addition to your meal prep routine and a great example of simple, healthy meals that the whole family will enjoy. Enjoy your delicious, homemade freezer tomato sauce!