How to Make Marinara Sauce From Fresh Tomatoes

Ingredients:

- 2 pounds (about 900 grams) ripe tomatoes

- 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil

- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1/2 cup (125 ml) dry white wine (optional)

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1 teaspoon dried basil

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

- Wash and dry the fresh tomatoes.

2. Blanching the Tomatoes:

- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

- Once boiling, carefully drop the tomatoes into the hot water for about 30 seconds.

- This will help loosen the tomato skin.

- Remove the tomatoes from the boiling water and transfer them to a colander to cool slightly.

3. Removing the Skin and Seeds:

- Once the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, peel the skin off.

- Cut the tomatoes in half and remove the seeds and any remaining pulp.

- Chop the peeled tomatoes into small pieces or cubes.

4. Sautéing the Garlic:

- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat.

- Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute or until fragrant.

5. Adding the Tomatoes:

- Add the chopped tomatoes to the saucepan and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

- This allows the tomatoes to break down and release their flavors.

6. Adding Wine and Herbs:

- If desired, add the dry white wine and let it reduce by half. (This step adds an extra layer of flavor to the sauce, but you can skip it if you prefer a non-alcoholic sauce.)

- Add the dried oregano and basil to the saucepan.

7. Simmering:

- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.

- Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking.

8. Seasoning:

- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.

9. Serve:

- Once the sauce has reached your desired flavor and consistency, it's ready to serve.

- Marinara sauce is traditionally used with pasta, but it can also be paired with pizza, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce for bread.

Remember, the beauty of homemade sauces is that you can customize the flavors to your liking. Feel free to experiment with the proportions of ingredients and add or adjust herbs and seasonings based on your personal taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious homemade marinara sauce made with fresh tomatoes!