Introducing Start Local, a new recipe series from The Land Connection in partnership with the Illinois Farm Bureau! Each recipe is designed with everyday cooks in mind, using ingredients from your local farmers markets, and filling in the rest with ingredients from the grocery store. So grab your shopping bag, meet your local farmers, and discover what’s in season across Illinois with Start Local!
Fresh Tomato Sauce
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Sharp knife
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- saucepan
- spatula
- Pasta pot
- colander
- Stovetop
Ingredients
Farmers Market Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh tomatoes, roughly chopped, any variety or size
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh basil, cut into very thin strips
Grocery Store Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb pasta, cooked to al dente
- 8 oz ricotta cheese (optional)
- 4 oz Asiago or Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Gently wash produce under cool running water, pat dry, and prepare as directed.
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan.
- Add the minced garlic and stir until soft. Do not let it brown.
- Add the tomatoes and stir. Cook over low heat until the tomato juice starts to collect in the bottom of the pan.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes.
- Cook the pasta to al dente. Do not overcook. Drain.
- Finish the sauce with the fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve over the pasta with a scoop of ricotta and the grated Asiago or Parmesan.
Notes
Overripe tomatoes are great for this recipe.
Substitutions
- Pasta: Any type or shape of pasta.
The Start Local recipe series is generously supported by Illinois Farm Bureau.
