When your garden tomatoes get into high gear and start producing, start saucing! We used heirloom tomatoes in this recipe, creating more color and flavor diversity. We enjoy Black Krim, Brandywine, Pineapple, and Cuore di Bue, but any tomato will make delicious sauce. Yields approximately 1–1.5 quarts of sauce.
Ingredients:
- 5 lbs. fresh heirloom tomatoes
- 2 medium cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup sweet peppers, finely chopped (like Golden Marconi)
- 2 tsp. sea salt
- 1 tsp. dried oregano leaf
- 1 1/2 tbs. honey, agave nectar, or sugar
- 1 tsp. lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- black pepper to taste
Directions:
- Using a paring knife, gently cut out the top of your tomatoes, where the stem was connected to the fruit.
- Slit an "X" into the bottom of each tomato, and drop them into boiling water in batches. In about 60 to 90 seconds (larger tomatoes may take a bit longer), the skins will begin to wrinkle and split. Remove tomatoes and plunge into ice water, allowing them to soak for another 60 to 90 seconds. Remove from ice water and gently peel skins away from the tomato.
- Using a blender or food processor, pulse the skinned tomatoes to the consistency that you prefer (chunky or smooth).
- Pour the tomato sauce and the garlic and peppers in a saucepan. Bring to a low boil, adding remaining ingredients as it heats.
- Reduce the sauce to almost half, stirring occasionally for about 45 minutes.
Allow your sauce to cool, and continue to thicken before using or freezing. Tomato sauce can stay fresh up to a week in the refrigerator or up to several months if frozen.