Tomato stems are packed with the essence of the tomato's flavor. This fresh, slightly bitter, and grassy scent can infuse tomato sauce with a captivating depth of fresh flavor.
Begin by washing the tomato vines and then tie the stems together using kitchen string. Follow your regular tomato sauce recipe, but add the vines and stalks into the pot.
Simmer the sauce for an hour and stir occasionally to blend everything. The heat releases the volatile compounds from the stems, enveloping the sauce with its intense, fresh aroma.
After an hour, remove the tomato vines with tongs and blend your sauce for a smooth consistency. For a chunkier sauce, mash the tomatoes with the back of a spoon.