Tomato Passata

It’s this time of the year when many Italo-Australian people in Melbourne do ‘la salsa’ – tomato sauce, or tomato passata.  The best time is when the tomatoes are ripe and plentiful.   You basically wash the tomatoes, boil them for a few minutes, drain, remove seeds and skin by whatever machine you have.  Add salt to taste and fill bottles or jars, adding a sprig of basil but do not fill right to the top.  Seal and place in large container. Top with warm water and bring to boil.  Simmer 10-15 minutes.  Leave in water until cold. These can then be used for whatever tomato recipe you need and will keep for more than one year.