Can you make fresh tomato sauce without sugar?

Absolutely! You can make delicious fresh tomato sauce without sugar. Here's a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

* 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped (or use 28 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes)

* 1/2 cup olive oil

* 1 large onion, finely chopped

* 4 cloves garlic, minced

* 1 teaspoon dried oregano

* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

* 1/4 teaspoon salt

* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add garlic and spices: Add the garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

3. Add tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes (or drained canned tomatoes) to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover.

4. Simmer: Simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the tomatoes have broken down.

5. Blend (optional): For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce partially or fully.

6. Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.

7. Serve: Serve the sauce immediately over pasta, or store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips:

* Tomato Variety: Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best results. Heirloom tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or even cherry tomatoes work well.

* Acidity: If your tomatoes are not very acidic, you may want to add a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice for balance.

* Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs instead of dried if you prefer.

* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika for a bit of heat.

Enjoy your delicious, sugar-free tomato sauce!