When it comes to FRESH TOMATO SAUCE, this one is the freshest!
We originally attached this recipe for FRESH TOMATO SAUCE to the HOMEMADE RICOTTA GNOCCHI recipe crafted by my dear friend, Emily Richards. One bite and I decided this flavourful homemade tomato sauce recipe needed its own dedicated post. So, here it is!
Let’s get right to it and make FRESH TOMATO SAUCE.
INGREDIENTS
You heard it hear first, only seven ingredients stand between you and the tastiest tomato sauce ever. When Emily and I first discussed making her sauce recipe, she sold me on the pitch, “It’s so easy to make!” Sure, that’s true, but gathering up the ingredients is easy too. For best results, purchase organic veggies and herbs. If you’re a gardener and you have these items growing, all the better.
TOMATOES
You say tomato, I say, TOMATO. Click that link for all the details on this wondrous vegetable, er, I mean, fruit! Did you know tomatoes are classified as berries? Who knew?! Tomatoes are high in fibre and a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K1, folate and potassium. Other nutritional information indicates tomatoes may help prevent heart disease and cancer, and are considered beneficial for skin health. Last thing about tomatoes, we made this sauce using plum tomatoes, but field tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, plum tomatoes, Roma tomatoes and San Marzanos will all work well. Good news, the instructions are to dice and use, meaning no peeling is required.
FRESH FLAVOURS
The big pro tip on this fresh sauce recipe is to use fresh tomatoes, locally grown garlic and fresh basil, parsley or other fresh herbs – you will taste the difference. Unlike our TOMATO SOUP recipe where we suggest using cans of premium San Marzano tomatoes, only fresh ingredients will do for this recipe.
SAUTÉ
Cooking up the diced tomatoes and minced garlic in extra virgin olive oil over moderate heat in a large skillet, pot or saucepan need not be a complicated affair. Our suggestion on this: don’t overdo it. Cook the tomatoes just until simmering and their juices release and the pleasing aromas of the sweet-tasting tomatoes meld with the garlic. Then add the red pepper flakes, deciding whatever level of heat you like, the dried oregano and a chiffonade of basil. Stir and get ready to enjoy! This homemade sauce recipe requires little prep time.
SERVE
Now comes the good part, where we dream up ways to enjoy this FRESH TOMATO SAUCE. Let’s circle back to spooning it over HOMEMADE RICOTTA GNOCCHI. Emily created a delicious pasta with such easy instructions, we think this sauce is the perfect partner. Simply cook the pillow-like dumplings in a large pot of water, strain with a slotted spoon, add some FRESH TOMATO SAUCE, season with kosher salt and serve. These gnocchi are especially fab with freshly grated Parmesan, asiago or Grana Padano cheese plus a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Here’s another idea that works. We toasted up whole wheat English muffins, added thin slices of warmed ham, herbed scrambled eggs, a heaping spoonful of tomato sauce and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. Trust us, friends, breakfast and brunch just got better.
We know you’ll find endless ways to enjoy this special sauce, whether you’re cooking up pizza, lasagna, or a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. We also know it’s so good, you’ll want to PIN the recipe to a favourite side dish or sauce board on PINTEREST, or BOOKMARK this tab for easy access. SHARE it with friends so they can make them too. We’d also appreciate seeing pics of all the delicious dishes and new recipes you’re making these days. Use #weekendatthecottage when you post those pics on Facebook and Instagram. Thanks!
Easy to make and super tasty, any time if perfect to try this FRESH TOMATO SAUCE.
Until Cottage Season
