Tomato paste

Homemade tomato sauce – Perfect tomato paste for winter

Who doesn’t love a fresh, homemade tomato sauce, full of flavors and free from preservatives? This simple and quick tomato sauce recipe (tomato paste) will convince you that it’s much easier than you think. Plus, you’ll use the whole pulp of the tomatoes, not just the juice, resulting in a rich taste and creamy texture. Allow me to guide you step by step in this culinary adventure!

Total preparation time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Number of servings: depending on the amount of tomatoes used, but approximately 1 liter of tomato paste

Ingredients:
- Fresh tomatoes (desired quantity)
- Sugar (optional, only if the tomatoes are a bit sour)

A bit of history and nutritional benefits:
Tomato sauce is a versatile ingredient in many cuisines around the world. Whether you use it for pizza, pasta, stews, or soups, tomato sauce adds flavor and color to your dishes. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, as well as vitamins C and K. They contribute to skin, heart, and immune system health, so don’t hesitate to add as many tomatoes as possible to your diet!

Step by step for a perfect tomato sauce:

1. Preparing the tomatoes:
- Wash the tomatoes very well under cold running water. It is essential to ensure that no pesticides or impurities remain on them.
- Cut off the stem end and then cut each tomato in half. This step will help with the blending process, making it easier.

2. Blending:
- Place the tomato halves in a blender or food processor. Set it to maximum power and blend until you achieve a smooth consistency, without any skin remnants.
- If you have a high-power blender, you can achieve a fine paste in a few seconds.

3. Cooking:
- Transfer the obtained tomato paste into a large pot. You can add sugar now if you feel the tomatoes are too sour. Personally, I didn’t use sugar, preferring to taste the pure flavor of the tomatoes.
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

4. Reducing:
- Simmer the sauce for about 2 hours, or until it reaches the desired consistency. The ideal consistency is a thick and rich paste that can be easily spread on a slice of bread or used as a base for pizza.
- Be careful not to stray too far, as your sauce might boil too much and burn.

5. Storing:
- Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, let it cool slightly, then pour it into sterilized bottles or jars. Make sure the containers are clean to prevent contamination.
- Seal the containers well and store them in the pantry. This tomato sauce will keep excellently throughout the winter.

Tips and practical advice:
- If you want to add extra flavor to your sauce, you can include spices like basil, oregano, or garlic during cooking.
- If you don’t have a blender, you can use a manual masher or mash the tomatoes with a fork, although this process will take longer.
- Another option is to add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or onions to diversify the flavor of the sauce.

Frequently asked questions:
- How can I tell if the tomatoes are ripe? Choose tomatoes that are firm but slightly soft when pressed. The color should be vibrant, and the aroma should be intense.
- Can I freeze the tomato sauce? Yes, it’s an excellent idea! You can freeze the sauce in small portions in a plastic bag or an airtight container. This way, you’ll have sauce available at any time.

Serving suggestions:
This tomato sauce is perfect for a delicious homemade pizza, but it can also be used as a base for pasta with cheese or vegetables. You can serve it alongside a glass of red wine or a refreshing lemonade to complete the meal.

In conclusion, making this tomato sauce is not just a pleasant activity but also an investment in your health and that of your loved ones. Whether you use it to enrich your daily meals or to impress your guests, this homemade tomato paste recipe will quickly become a family favorite. So, don’t hesitate any longer and grab those tomatoes! You will discover the joy of cooking something authentic and delicious, right from the comfort of your own kitchen. Bon appétit!