Tomato Sauce

It is convenient to grab a jar of tomato pasta/pizza sauce but it so much more satisfying when you make your own... and its quick and easy too!

Here's my basic recipe...

Ingredients
10 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 large onion, finely diced
1 tbls extra virgin olive oil
1 tbls tomato puree
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp nutmeg
salt & black pepper 

Put the tomatoes in a bowl, cover with bowling water and leave for 10 minutes to soften the skin. Drain then prick with a knife and the skin should peel away very easily. Chop. The tomatoes will still be hot so you might wish to wear gloves or run under the cold tap before pricking.

Heat the oil in a pan and add the onions, stir then reduce the heat and cover with a lid to sweat the onions for 10 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme and nutmeg, stir well and cook for 2 minutes before adding the chopped tomatoes and tomato puree.

Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer on a low heat for 20 minutes or until the sauce has reduced by 1/3. Its important to "reduce" the sauce in order to intensify the flavour - or you'll end up with a watery sauce that has little punch to it.

Allow to cool, then blend. I use a hand held blender for convenience and to save washing up! Makes 1 large jar. Use straight away or store in the fridge/freezer until needed. 

I often add fresh chopped basil after blending / before use.