Freezer Tomato Sauce (Microwave Version)

The complex flavor of Tomato Sauce tends to deepen with the length of time it is simmered. It’s for that very reason that microwaved Tomato Sauce can fall short in the flavor department. But not with this recipe! 

An oversized microwave-safe casserole is the ideal container in which to make this excellent sauce. If you don’t have one, substitute two 2-qt. (2 L) glass measuring cups. Dividing the amount of sauce between two containers may mean you’ll need to reduce your cooking time. A taste will tell. As with yesterday’s Tomato Sauce recipe, this sauce has many uses. It’s a handy item to keep on hand.

Freezer Tomato Sauce (Microwave Version):

1 c. (250 mL) chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 tbsp. (30 mL) canola oil

Two 28-oz. (796 mL each) cans diced tomatoes, undrained

Two 5.5 fl. oz. (156 mL each) cans tomato paste

2 tbsp. (30 mL) dried parsley flakes

1 tbsp. (15 mL) granulated sugar

1 tsp. (5 mL) salt

1 tsp. (5 mL) dried basil

½ tsp. (2.5 mL) dried oregano

¼ tsp. (1.25 mL) black pepper

1 medium bay leaf

In 3-qt. (3 L) microwave-safe casserole, combine onion, garlic, celery, and oil. Cook, covered, 5 min. on high, stirring halfway through cooking time. Add remaining ingredients. Cook, covered, 30 min., stirring every 10 min. Remove bay leaf. Cool to room temperature. Ladle into five 2-cup freezer containers. Label, date, and freeze up to 6 months. Yields 10 cups. 

If you prefer, try Freezer Tomato Sauce (Stove-Top Version).

Tip: Use this sauce to make Easy Cheesy Baked Vegetables! Add assorted chopped vegetables to lightly greased baking dish. Cover with Freezer Tomato Sauce and a moderate sprinkling of packaged, shredded cheese. Cover and bake 40 min. at 350 deg. F.