Homemade Fresh Tomato Spaghetti Sauce
Making Fresh Tomato Spaghetti Sauce From Scratch
Making your own tomato sauce at home results in a slightly tangier taste than store-bought versions, offering a much fresher and cleaner flavor. Once made, this versatile sauce can be used to create dishes like spaghetti with bacon or shakshuka (eggs in purgatory). It’s also delicious served on top of toasted bread or baguette. Enjoy the superior taste of homemade!
Ingredients
- 1-2 fresh tomatoes
- 1 can (approx. 400g) crushed or diced tomatoes
- 4 Tbsp ketchup
- 5 cloves fresh garlic
- 1 medium onion
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (approx. 200ml) water
- 1 tsp dried basil (or a few fresh basil leaves)
- 2-3 bay leaves
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s make a delicious tomato spaghetti sauce using fresh tomatoes.
Step 2
Wash the tomatoes thoroughly. Make a shallow cross-shaped cut on the bottom (opposite the stem) to help with peeling. Blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, then immediately transfer to an ice bath. The skins should peel off easily. Once peeled, mash the tomatoes or chop them into small pieces.
Step 3
Finely mince the onion. Slice the garlic thinly. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced onion and sliced garlic, stirring occasionally. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4
Add the canned crushed tomatoes and the prepared mashed fresh tomatoes to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic.
Step 5
Stir in the dried basil, bay leaves, ketchup, and butter. Pour in the water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover loosely (leaving a slight gap for steam to escape), and simmer gently.
Step 6
Let the sauce simmer and reduce for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and sugar. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more ketchup if you prefer a tangier flavor.
Step 7
Remove the bay leaves. Your delicious tomato sauce for spaghetti is now complete! This sauce is perfect for spaghetti or other dishes. Store any extra sauce in the refrigerator for future use.
