Savoring September: A Fresh Tomato Sauce Recipe to Brighten Mealtime

September may be my favorite month at the farmers market. Summer produce is still abundant, 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 local farmers market is still open and full of wonderful products.

One food I can’t get enough of is fresh tomatoes. I wait all year for them and enjoy their wonderful, fresh taste. Have you seen the selection at the market? There are heirloom varieties in shades of yellow, bright red and dark red, as well as ones with zebra stripes—in all shapes and sizes. Each type has a distinctive taste.

Before the season ends, try the following recipe, and if possible, make batches and freeze to help extend the season. This isn’t conventional sauce made with San Marzano or Roma tomatoes; it’s packed with chunks and tastes like it’s fresh off the vine. The flavor will depend on the variety you choose and is a perfect way to use slightly over-ripened tomatoes.

It might be a good idea to serve it in a bowl, as it’s not as thick as traditional tomato sauce. Try serving it with a fresh mozzarella burrata over pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese.

Fresh Tomato Sauce

Yield: 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

Pound of pasta of choice, cooked to al dente

Heat the olive oil in a stainless steel or enamel pot. Add minced garlic and stir 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.

Make pasta.

Finish sauce with fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper. Serve over pasta.

Janie Maxwell is the executive director of the Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA). To find a local farmers market or for more information about ILFMA, visit ILFMA.org.