Easy Pasta Sauce Recipe: Using Fresh Tomatoes

One of the great things about growing up in New Jersey were the awesomely fresh tomatoes grown all spring/summer long!  Even though we no longer live in New Jersey, I still manage to snatch up boxes full of the yummy Jersey Fresh tomatoes.  Delicious!

Now, what can you do with a huge box full of ripened tomatoes?  Make pasta sauce, of course!  Make some for tonight’s dinner and freeze the rest for future dinners.  Perfect!

Easy Pasta Sauce: Using Fresh Tomatoes

*Approximately 4-5 pounds of fresh tomatoes
*2-3 medium onions, chopped
*5 cloves of garlic, chopped
*Handful of fresh basil, finely chopped
*1/3 cup olive oil
*1 Teaspoon Salt
*1 Tablespoon Sugar
*Several sprigs of fresh parsley
*Parmesan cheese, optional topping


  1. Several years ago, I learned THE BEST TRICK for peeling tomatoes.  If you have ever tried to individually peel tomatoes, you know why it is something I used to despise.  Once I learned this trick, I am a tomato-peeling master 🙂   Bring a pot of water to a boil.  Meanwhile, cut a shallow “X- shape” into the tops of each tomato using a paring knife.   Once the water is boiling, drop the tomatoes in.  Leave them in there for about 30 seconds. Then, immediately put them into a bowl full of cold water.  The skins will automatically start peeling off!  Now, you can easily remove all the skins from the tomatoes and you won’t be cursing during the process!


Here are the tomatoes in their naked glory!

  2.     Now that you have naked tomatoes, it is time to start the sauce!  Heat up the olive oil in a large saucepan.  Drop in the onions, garlic, basil, and salt.  Saute for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and the flavors to meld.

    3.    Meanwhile, chop up the tomatoes into small bits.  To make life easier, you make want to consider doing this with a food processor.  

    4.   After the onion has had time to soften, add the tomatoes, sugar, and parsley.  Bring to a boil.  Once boiled, reduce heat to a simmer and let it simmer for well over 2 hours.  I prefer about 4 hours.  Stir as often as you can.  The longer you let it simmer, the more intense the flavors will be and the thicker the sauce will be!  



Enjoy!  
Add some fresh parmesan cheese, if desired:)
It is always desired in my house.



It is as easy as that, seriously!  This recipe makes about 3 servings (depending on how much you serve per bowl of pasta). 

We also use this sauce for homemade pizzas!

Whatever you don’t use that night, freeze in individual containers and take it out when needed for a quick pasta meal.
Hayley
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Hayley

Hayley Crouse is a wife, mother and multifaceted designer. Her love of sewing, crafting, cooking and interior design infuses her daily life and naturally spills over into her online presence. She pushes the envelope of her creativity and hopes that others will be inspired to do the same. She currently authors the Welcome to the Mouse House Blog, is the pattern designer behind Mouse House Creations and is a collaborative designer with Willow & Co. Patterns.
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6 Responses to Easy Pasta Sauce Recipe: Using Fresh Tomatoes

  1. Hollie - TheSevenYearCottage May 5, 2012 at 10:49 am #

    Looks delicious!

  2. Simple Simon & Co May 7, 2012 at 9:31 pm #

    Haley,

    I am not seeming to find your email. Will you email me at simplesimonandco@gmail.com…thanks!

    elizabeth

  3. Ashley May 11, 2012 at 9:51 pm #

    Hayley I didn’t get to go to the farmers market last weekend but it just so happens that my publix had tomatoes on sale this week. Your sauce is cooking away on my stove as I type. I have greek basil in my garden and I think it has a lemony smell and taste to it and oh my how good it smelled cooking with the onions and garlic. My house smells Delish!! We are going to the market tomorrow and if they have some yummy tomatoes I will be making another batch of this sauce this weekend.:) Thank you so much for sharing!

  4. The Mouse House May 11, 2012 at 10:13 pm #

    Awesome Ashley! Let it cook for a long time to really get the flavors going! I hope you enjoy!

  5. Patricia Purcell May 26, 2012 at 1:31 pm #

    I’ve been searching for a recipe using fresh tomatoes. I’m going to try this.

  6. Six Sisters May 28, 2012 at 4:48 pm #

    This looks so delicious! Love that you used fresh tomatoes! We appreciate you linking up with us!! It’s so fun to see all of the great ideas and recipes! We hope to see you back again soon! -The Sisters

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