This recipe and photo were created by contributor Kelli Dunn of The Corner Kitchen. Learn more about Kelli and this recipe by checking out her accompanying post, and check out her Greatist bio on our About Page! 

It's only a matter of days until the bright, fresh local tomatoes I've been enjoying so much for the past few months vanish until next year. With that in mind, I wanted to preserve the last days of summer with a wonderful, chunky tomato sauce. This sauce is perfect with fresh pasta, on top of grilled fish or chicken, or mixed with roasted vegetables. Or, if you’d like to follow my lead and savor a little bit of summer during the chilly winter months, this sauce freezes wonderfully!

Recipe: Spicy Rustic Tomato Sauce

Photo by Kelli Dunn

Makes approximately 3-4 cups of sauce.

What You'll Need:

1/4 cup olive oil
6 cloves garlic, smashed
4 pounds ripe tomatoes, stem section removed and cut into small chunks
2 teaspoons salt
fresh ground pepper
2 tablespoons dried basil
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried dill
2 teaspoons cumin
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

What to Do: 

1. Heat oil in a large, wide skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes, increase the heat to high, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Add herbs and spices and stir to combine.
4. When the mixture comes to a boil, reduce  heat to low and let simmer for 1 to 2 hours (the longer it goes, the less chunky it will become), stirring occasionally.
5. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
6. When the sauce has finished simmering, if using immediately, try on fresh pasta or with homemade meat balls! If saving for later use, transfer to a bowl or large jar., and cool fully before refrigerating or freezing.

What's your favorite way to use up the season's bounty of tomatoes? Share your ideas in the comments below!