Enjoying Late-Summer Tomatoes

"September may be my favorite month at the farmers’ market. Summer produce is still in abundance and the new crop of fall vegetables is also starting to appear. Remember, just because school has started and fall schedules are in full swing, your farmers’ market is still open and full of wonderful products,” says Janie Maxwell, MS, RDN, LDN, executive director of the Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA).

        She recommends, “The one food I can’t get enough of is fresh tomatoes. I wait all year for tomatoes and enjoy their wonderful, fresh taste. Before the season ends, try this recipe and if possible, make batches and freeze to help extend the season. This isn’t conventional tomato sauce made with San Marzano or Roma tomatoes. It is full of tomato chunks and tastes like fresh tomatoes. It might be good idea to serve it in a bowl, because it is not as thick as traditional tomato sauce. Try serving it with a fresh mozzarella burrata over pasta.”

 

Fresh Tomato Sauce

Yields: 4 servings

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

4 cups fresh tomatoes, roughly chopped, any variety or size

1 Tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped

1 Tbsp fresh basil, cut in very thin strips

Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the olive oil in a stainless steel or enamel pot.

Add minced garlic until soft, do not brown.

Add tomatoes and stir.

Cook over low heat until tomato juice starts to form in the bottom of the pot.

Cover and simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes.

Add fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper.

 

ILFMA supports local food and food systems by giving Illinois farmers’ markets and producers access to resources, education and connections in order to grow healthier and economically vibrant communities. For more information, visit ilfma.org.