Clean Tomato Sauce

Making your own tomato sauce from fresh tomatoes is one of life's simple pleasures. I grow my own tomatoes during the summer and freeze them for recipes like these! Enjoy.

Fresh Tomato Sauce

Ingredients, Makes about 2 jars, adapted from Wellness Mama 

5 lbs fresh tomatoes

¼ cup olive oil

1 large onion, diced

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 sprig fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

1 sprig fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried)

2 bay leaves

2 sprigs of parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

Optional: 1 tsp red pepper

1 tsp salt

1 carrot  (half grated and other half whole)

            Begin by blanching tomatoes for 1 minute in boiling water. Immediately transfer to ice bath and remove skins, stems and any bruises. Set aside.

            Add olive oil, garlic, onions and grated carrots to large pot over medium heat, stirring continuously until aromatic and onions are tender. Add tomatoes, all the herbs and spices and sea salt. Simmer on low for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally and break up any large pieces of tomatoes with spoon.