Fresh Tomato Sauce

Fresh Tomato Sauce

Fresh tomato sauce is the best way to use a surplus of tomatoes from your garden this summer with fresh basil and garlic. It also freezes well.

Ingredients

  • plum tomatoes

    cored and quartered

    5 lb.
  • unsalted butter
    2 tbsp.
  • garlic

    minced

    4 cloves
  • kosher salt
    2 tsp.
  • black pepper
    ½ tsp.
  • olive oil
    2 tbsp.
  • fresh basil
    2 sprigs

Directions

  1. 1

    In a blender, blend the tomatoes, in batches as necessary, until an almost smooth pulp forms. Pour into a large bowl; there should be about 10 cups of puree.

  2. 2

    In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Stir in the tomato puree, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer until the sauce reduces by one-third, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

  4. 4

    Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the oil and basil. Add salt to taste.

Fresh Tomato Sauce

Fresh Tomato Sauce

145 cal

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About this Recipe

Is there anything more satisfying than capturing the essence of summer in a jar? This Fresh Tomato Sauce is the perfect answer to a bounty of garden tomatoes, transforming them into a vibrant, flavorful staple you’ll want to have on hand all year.

What truly makes this fresh tomato sauce shine is its simplicity, letting the natural sweetness and tang of ripe plum tomatoes take center stage. The thoughtful addition of fresh basil and garlic elevates the flavor, creating a deeply aromatic and savory base that’s far superior to anything store-bought.

When you taste this sauce, expect a burst of pure, unadulterated tomato flavor, balanced by the bright, peppery notes of fresh basil and the warm, pungent kick of garlic. The butter adds a subtle richness, smoothing out the sauce and giving it a luxurious feel, while the olive oil contributes depth. This is a robust yet comforting sauce, embodying the heart of American, Italian, and Southern comfort food traditions.

To make this sauce truly your own, consider adjusting the aromatics to your preference. If you love a bolder garlic presence, feel free to add an extra clove or two. Similarly, while two sprigs of fresh basil provide a beautiful perfume, you can always increase the quantity for a more pronounced herbaceous note. A pinch of red pepper flakes (if you enjoy heat) would also complement the fresh tomato base, though not included in the original recipe, for those who enjoy a little warmth.

This Fresh Tomato Sauce is ideal for summer gatherings, making good use of your garden’s abundance, or as a thoughtful food gift for friends and family. Its rich, wholesome flavor serves as an excellent foundation for a myriad of dishes, bringing a taste of homemade goodness to any meal.

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