Fresh Heirloom Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe

What’s Up, Hungry People

It’s time to get a little saucy – pasta saucy that is. Today we are making a homemade pasta sauce from heirloom tomatoes, peppers, and herbs I grew in my very own garden.

This pasta sauce is a million times better than any store-bought variety. You can pour it over your favorite pasta or use it as a pizza marinara. Gardening is one of my favorite hobbies because it saves me tons of money on not only fresh veggies and herbs, but I can also make things like salsa and sauces that can be preserved to use throughout the fall and winter.

Here’s What You Need

• Heirloom tomatoes: Fresh, juicy base for the sauce.
• Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, savory flavor.
• Jalapeños: Kicks up the heat.
• Salted butter: Rich, creamy element for sautéing.
• Garlic: Brings depth and aroma.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning.
• Pepper: Adds a bit of sharpness.
• Paprika: Provides a smoky undertone.
• Coriander: Adds a hint of citrusy spice.
• Cumin: Earthy, warm flavor.
• Tomato sauce: Thickens and enriches the sauce.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes.
• Oregano: Classic Italian herb.
• Basil: Fresh, aromatic herb.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for brightness and garnish.
• Parmesan cheese: For topping.
• Your favorite pasta: Cooked according to package instructions.

Let’s Cook

Melt the butter in a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat. When the butter is frothy and beginning to brown, stir in the diced onion and chopped jalapeños. Sauté until tender, about 3-5 minutes.

Adding the Spices

Stir in the salt, pepper, minced garlic, paprika, coriander, and cumin. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the spices are fragrant and your kitchen smells amazing.

Simmering the Tomatoes

Add the diced heirloom tomatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for another 20-30 minutes, until the moisture from the tomatoes has reduced by half.

Thickening the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and tomato paste to thicken the sauce further. Then stir in the sugar, oregano, basil, and parsley. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes to an hour. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.

Blending (Optional)

If you prefer a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a regular blender – but only blend about half of the sauce at a time as it will expand. If you like a chunky sauce, skip this step.

Serving

Pour the sauce over your favorite pasta or ravioli. Top with Parmesan cheese and more fresh herbs for garnish. Serve alongside garlic bread or a garden-fresh salad.

Tips for the Perfect Pasta Sauce

• Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your heat preference. For a milder sauce, use just one jalapeño or remove the seeds.
• Simmer Time: The longer you let the sauce simmer, the more the flavors will develop. If you have time, let it go for the full hour.
• Blending Safely: If using a regular blender, allow the sauce to cool slightly before blending to avoid hot splashes.
• Storage: This sauce freezes well. Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick meals later.
• Versatility: Use this sauce not just for pasta but also as a base for shakshuka, a dipping sauce for breadsticks, or even as a layer in lasagna.

Making homemade pasta sauce from heirloom tomatoes and garden-fresh herbs is such a satisfying experience, especially when you’ve grown the tomatoes from seed yourself. This recipe not only fills your kitchen with amazing aromas but also delivers a rich, flavorful sauce that beats anything from a jar. Whether you’re topping your favorite pasta or using it as a pizza base, this sauce adds a touch of homemade goodness to your meals. Enjoy this sauce with your loved ones and savor the taste of your hard work, Hungry People!

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