One of the best—and tastiest—uses for your garden’s fresh tomatoes is using them as a base for your own homemade sauce. Plus, making your own tomato sauce gives you the added benefit of using all-natural ingredients, so you can enjoy every succulent bite knowing that it’s as healthy as it is delectable.

Instructions:

1. Cut up the quartered tomatoes from the jars into smaller chunks.
2. Use a food processor to chop up the carrots, onions, and celery. You can choose to leave it chunky or chop it more finely.
3. On medium heat, warm up the olive oil in a large sauce pot. Mix in the vegetables. Lower the heat a little bit, and sauté for about 10 minutes. Add in the minced garlic, and allow it to cook for another minute or so.
4. Turn the heat up slightly and add in the white cooking wine, bringing it down to a simmer for 4–5 minutes.
5. Add the tomatoes into the pot, bring the mixture to a simmer, and reduce the heat to low. Only cover the pot partially with the lid, and leave the sauce to simmer for 45 minutes. Make sure to stir every so often until the sauce is reduced and has thickened.
6. Season with salt and pepper according to taste preferences, and serve with some spaghetti.

Making your own delicious tomato sauce doesn’t require a culinary degree or hours in front of the stove. With a few simple steps, some fresh vegetables and a little love, you’ll enjoy a homemade Italian dinner in no time.