Homemade Pasta Sauce

The way my kids love pizza, mini pizza and anything with pizza sauce, I decided to finally try to make some at home with some tomatoes I grew. It did not disappoint. It was a great experience with wonderful results. Give it a try.

You will need:
4 pounds ripe tomatoes
1/ 4 cup oil
4 large cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Italian dry seasoning (combination of dry herbs)
3 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 large green pepper
2 small pimento (flavor pepper)
1 large onion
5 large sprigs of chive
2 small leaves thyme
Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

Method:

Cut tomatoes into chunks. Using your hands, squeeze them into bits over a large, deep bowl or pot, including juices. (Alternatively, you may pulse them a few times in a food processor.) Set aside. In a large pot set over low heat, sauté all the fresh herbs in oil until softened and fragrant. Add tomatoes and other ingredients to pot and raise heat to medium, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer for 30 minutes or so until completely cooked, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings as you wish. If desired, add crushed red pepper flakes and additional fresh chopped herbs. Once cooled use blender to slightly puree sauce. (Or you may pulse it in batches in a food processor. Do not over-process…a bit of texture should remain.) Serve warm or allow to slightly cool and store in a container or jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Personally I bottle and freeze for future use.