Monday, July 27, 2009

It's "Whatcha Makin' Monday"

We have tomatoes coming out our ears. We planted 4 tomatoe plants, one didn't make it, and of the three we have, two are producing like crazy, with the third one slightly behind. I thought I should do something with all of these little red beauties. So...I made marinara sauce. No, I don't always make it this way! Usually I open up a couple jars of Classico sauce and jazz it up a little bit, but today, I did it this way. First I brought a big pot of water to boil. I blanched the tomatoes, for about a minute.
Then dropped them right into ice water. The peel will come off very easily now.
I cut them in half, and squeezed the seeds and excess water out of them.
And wound up with a pot that looks like this.
I assembled the rest of the ingredients I needed. I always have fresh garlic, but not today. So in a pinch, I keep this minced garlic on hand, and I used it instead. I would have used bell peppers if I had them, but I didn't, and mine are not quite ready in the garden. I did use my own basil, and rosemary and lemons. I have a new favorite sea salt. It is Spice Islands Hickory Smoked Sea Salt. VERY hard to find though, and I am on the lookout for more. It is SO yummy!
Mince your onions...
Peel rosemary off woody stems and mince...Stack fresh basil leaves one on top of the other, right side down on cutting board.
Roll them into a tight little cigar.
Then run your knife through it cutting it into thin little ribbons of basil. Called chiffonade by chefs. I call it basil confetti.
Saute your onion and garlic on med heat in a little olive oil, until translucent.
Add your tomatoes to garlic and onion mixture, adding basil and rosemary and salt and pepper at this time. Squeeze juice of one lemon into sauce.
Puree with either hand held masher, or immersion blender.
I do love my immersion blender!
You will wind up with a nice creamy sauce like this. I toss in a bit more whole basil, put the lid on it, slightly askew to vent, and let it simmer all day. Checking occasionally for thickness, and taste. I will be adding chicken stock to it as it becomes thicker throughout the day.
I don't know what type of pasta I will serve it over tonight. I have to run to the store for some. But it is sure to taste yummy. I wish you could smell what I am smelling in my house as it simmers away.
So, that's what I am making today....homemade marinara sauce with my oodles of tomatoes. What are you makin'?

12 comments:

Erika Johnson said...

Oh wow mom you amaze me! I would like some to gosies please? He he I thought I was proud of my pasta sauce that is sadly canned mixed with a little sour cream & I doctor it up :( Jeremy would be in heaven if I made this!

Kris said...

You should set the computer up that we got you until you have your laptop. I am going to get a lappy too. I love Grandma's!!!

Lauri said...

You continue to amaze me. That looks delicious. I can almost smell it over here;).

Debbie said...

mmm...sounds so good. I LOVE home grown tomatoes, definitely the best!! Enjoy your sauce...

Katie said...

That looks mouth watering!!!!!!!! YUMMMMMM

Kelly said...

I hate any type of red sauce usually, EXCEPT for homemade marinara! It looks soooo good! I can just smell it now!

Kristi said...

So I'll be over for leftovers tomorrow, that is if there is any...

everyday katie said...

We had tomatoes like that one year and I did the same thing. With the zillions of tomatoes I used, I was expecting to make a few jars to freeze and it made one measley jar. And though it was DELICIOUS, I swore I'd never do it again. It was way too much effort for one meal.

But looking at this makes me second guess myself. I may have to try it again. Your recipe sounds yummy. We always grew onions and basil, too.

Genn said...

That looks really good mom! You could be a pro chef!

Red Geranium Cottage said...

That looks so good I think I can smell it Kris.

deb said...

Lucky you, I have 3 tomato plants and NO tomatos:(

Unknown said...

WOW! Great Looking Sauce Cali!!
Love, Jersey