Spaghetti Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes: Easy Homemade Italian Recipe

Spaghetti Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes: A Homemade Italian Classic

Craving restaurant-quality spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes? This homemade Italian sauce bursts with ripe tomato flavor, fragrant garlic, and aromatic herbs—all simmered to perfection in just over an hour.

Ingredients for Spaghetti Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes

• 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

How to Make Spaghetti Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch the tomatoes for about 1 minute, then transfer to an ice bath. Peel, core, and chop.
2. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, bay leaf, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and cook, uncovered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
6. Discard the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender for a smoother sauce, or leave it chunky for texture.
7. Serve hot over al dente pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Tips for Perfect Garden-Fresh Marinara

• Choose ripe tomatoes: Heirloom or vine-ripened varieties offer the best flavor.
• Balance acidity: A pinch of sugar can tame overly tart tomatoes.
• Low and slow: A gentle simmer deepens the flavor without burning.
• Make ahead: Sauce can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 120 kcal | Carbs: 14 g | Fiber: 3 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 304 mg | Sugar: 9 g

Enjoy your homemade spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes over your favorite pasta for a true taste of summer!