Somedays it's just all about cooking. And, sometimes you need a great staple to prepare lots of meals... like a superb tomato sauce. By making a huge pot of your favorite recipe and storing it in jars, you have the beginnings of lasagna, parmigianas, spaghetti and meatballs, dipping sauce, hoagies and so much more. Just use whatever veggies you have in your fridge and some choice seasonings and herbs in your pantry or in your garden. It's simple and delicious!
Here's today's recipe:
2 cans tomato puree
1 can crushed tomatos or 1 can whole tomatoes, your preference
Dab of tomato paste
1 Red Bell Pepper
1 Diced Red or Yellow Onion
Several stalks of Celery, with leaves if you have, chopped and diced
7-8 Baby Carrots chopped and diced
Several Cloves of Garlic or 1 tsp granulated garlic
1 tsp dried Oregano, one bunch if fresh
1 tsp dried Basil, one bunch if fresh
1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper
Fresh Chives (if you have)
Olive Oil
Mediterranean Sea Salt
Freshly Grated Romano
OPTIONAL - Broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, kale, sauteed chopped meat, sausage, etc.
Sautee the veggies for 3-5 minutes in Olive Oil until onions start turning translucent. Add tomatoes and paste and stir. Then add herbs, seasonings and Romano to your taste. (If you have fresh Romano, you can throw the left-over rind right in the pot. It's delicioso!) Partially cover pot and let simmer for about an hour, then add any optional items and stir and taste for seasoning. Always adjust to taste after adding anything new. Let cook/simmer another hour or two, stirring and tasting occasionally. Remember, tasting is a HUGE part of the cooking process! It's what you bring to the table - layers and depth - so be sure to keep testing the flavors as your sauce simmers. It's an art!
Also keep in mind, the more paste you use in the sauce, the thicker it will be. If you want more of a Marinara sauce, use little or no paste.
Once sauce is done, Mangia! Let the rest cool and then fill jars with lids. Refrigerate what you will be using for the week, freeze the rest. If you have any recipes you would like to share, please feel free to post below. Enjoy!
Image by Freepik
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