by Betty Blake

Created on: June 10, 2010

It is rather easy to utilize tomato sauce from a jar or any container in your local store. But then, you stand the chance of consuming a product that contains numerous preservatives with names too long to pronounce. And, who knows how long it has been sitting on the shelf. Moreover, many of these products are loaded with too much sodium and sugar that cause havoc on our diets. Tomatoes have beneficial nutrients that are detrimental to the body especially when broken down through cooking. A regular consumption of tomatoes in the diet aids in the prevention of prostate and many other cancers.

When you make your own homemade tomato sauce, you have control over the input of ingredients used and taste. Making homemade tomato sauce is fairly easy. The summer season is the perfect time to garner a variety of sweet, a little tart and delicious tomatoes in all shapes and sizes. Moreover, if there is a glut on the market, you are liable to really obtain your money's worth.Do take a visit to your nearby farmer's market, and purchase your tomatoes (even the ugly ones as they carry fantastic flavors). In addition, you will need onions, garlic, bell peppers (any color), parsley, basil,mushrooms (optional),salt/pepper and other seasonings.

Rinse tomatoes, roughly chop and set aside. If you you are adding mushroons, do not wash as they will become rubbery. Instead, use a wet cheese cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt. Roughly chop these and saute over medium heat.Sprinkle a dash of salt to aid in expelling liquid from mushroom. Add finely chopped onions and bell peppers and continue to stir. Saute these until they become translucent or lightly brown. Season with salt and pepper to desired taste.Add finely chopped fresh garlic and continue to stir over medium heat. It is now time to add the chopped tomatoes. Put a pinch of sugar to mixture so as to help enhance flavor and to remove acidity. 

Do bear in mind that your sauce will make a little splatter. Although the tomatoes will expel a great amount of liquid; however, go ahead and add a little broth to mixture and/or some water so as to give proper consistency. In addition, if you have tomato paste add a little along with a dash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of dried italian herb. Contine to stir over low heat for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until you obtain the right consistency and taste you desire. Don't forget to add your fresh parsley and basil at the end. Also, a drizzle of olive oil will further add excellent flavor.

Your homemade tomato sauce is now ready to be served with any choice of pasta; or, maybe as a mouthwatering sauce for some warm garlic rolls. The great thing about it is that leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and be used as a topping for fish or chicken. Moreover, excess can be placed in the freezer for future use. You and your loved ones will be singing 'mama mia' for sometime.

Learn more about this author, Betty Blake.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.