Preserve summertime's best with homemade tomato sauce

Fruits and vegetables taste best in spring and summer. To preserve their flavour for longer, make homemade preserves. Combine juicy and fragrant tomatoes with garlic to make a delicious sauce, then store it in a jar. It's perfect for a quick dinner.

Although tomatoes are available without problems throughout the year, their taste leaves much to be desired. The sauce made from them tastes bland, so canned tomatoes become a better option. Instead of lamenting over flavourless tomatoes, ensure a stock of sauce today. In autumn and winter, you'll thank yourself.

Homemade tomato sauce in a jar is a real lifesaver. First, it has a rich flavour and great ingredients that store-bought products can't compete with. Second, it saves you from hunger on busy days—just open, heat, and mix with pasta.

A hint of garlic and a good dose of spices further enhance the flavour. Nothing more, not even meat, is needed to delight your family with a delicious meal. Setting aside some time in the kitchen to prepare these preserves is worth it.

Ingredients:

• 3 kilograms of ripe tomatoes,
• 1 tablespoon of salt,
• 3 cloves of garlic,
• 1 teaspoon of oregano,
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil,
• 1 teaspoon of thyme,
• 6 allspice berries,
• 1 teaspoon of basil,
• a pinch of chilli,
• a flat teaspoon of pepper.

Preparation method:

1. Wash and quarter the tomatoes. Remove any tricky parts.
2. Transfer to a large pot, add salt, and cook over medium heat for an hour. Meanwhile, blend them as they begin to break down. Remember to stir to prevent burning.
3. Add crushed garlic and all the spices. Cook for 30 minutes.
4. Add olive oil and continue cooking, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and blend the sauce if necessary, removing the allspice berries.
6. Transfer the sauce to clean, sterilized jars. Pour a tablespoon of olive oil on top and seal tightly. Pasteurise for 30 minutes.