Transform your pasta night or pizza-making adventure with this vibrant and versatile Magic Fresh Tomato Spaghetti Pasta or Pizza Sauce! Made from juicy, ripe fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs like dried oregano and optional fresh basil, this homemade sauce is a game-changer for Italian-inspired meals. A quick blanching process ensures an irresistibly smooth texture, while a gentle 20-minute simmer brings out deep, robust flavors. Whether tossed with al dente spaghetti or spread over pizza dough, this sauce is the ultimate essential for elevating your favorite dishes. With minimal prep and the option to adjust spices for a hint of heat, it's a simple yet flavorful recipe that freezes beautifully for future use. Perfect for anyone seeking a fresh, homemade alternative to jarred sauces!
1. Prepare the tomatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Using a sharp knife, score an 'X' on the bottom of each tomato. Submerge the tomatoes in boiling water for 30-60 seconds or until the skin starts to peel back. Transfer immediately to an ice water bath to cool. Peel the skin off, then chop the peeled tomatoes into small chunks.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent but not browned.
4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, sugar, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. If using red pepper flakes, add them now for a touch of heat.
5. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
6. Optional: To create a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to purée the sauce to your desired consistency. Alternatively, transfer the sauce to a countertop blender in batches and purée until smooth, then return to the skillet.
7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. Stir in fresh basil leaves just before serving for added aroma and flavor.
8. For spaghetti: Toss the sauce with cooked pasta and serve immediately. For pizza: Spread the sauce over pizza dough before adding toppings and baking.
9. Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Calories |
1435 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.5 g | 66% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.9 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1451 mg | 63% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 229.4 g | 83% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 70.1 g | 250% | |
| Total Sugars | 149.0 g | ||
| Protein | 52.1 g | 104% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 647 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 16.0 mg | 89% | |
| Potassium | 13261 mg | 282% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.