Indulge in the rich, hearty flavors of homemade spaghetti sauce—a timeless classic that transforms any pasta dish into a culinary masterpiece. This recipe combines fresh ingredients and simple techniques to create a sauce that is both delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy date night, this sauce will surely impress. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started on this delightful journey!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1/4 of the recipe):
– Calories: 120
– Protein: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 16g
– Fat: 5g
– Fiber: 3g
This nutritional value is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well.
- Sprinkle in sugar, oregano, and basil, stirring to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti and garnish with fresh basil.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute canned tomatoes with fresh tomatoes or use a mix of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes for a different texture. You can also replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
Serving and Pairings
This homemade spaghetti sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti, but it’s also delicious with any pasta shape, polenta, or even as a pizza sauce. Serve it alongside garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the garlic can lead to bitterness.
- Not simmering long enough may result in a watery sauce.
- Using low-quality canned tomatoes can affect the flavor.
- Skipping salt can make the sauce taste flat.
- Not adjusting seasoning at the end can leave it bland.
Helpful Tips
- Let the sauce sit for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavors.
- Add red wine for a richer taste.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a vibrant flavor.
- Blend the sauce for a smoother consistency if desired.
- Experiment with adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers or incorporate diced jalapeños for a fresh kick.
Is this sauce vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in this recipe are plant-based, making it suitable for vegans.
What can I do with leftover sauce?
Leftover sauce can be used in various dishes, such as lasagna, stuffed peppers, or as a base for soups.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used; just blanch, peel, and chop them before adding to the sauce.
Conclusion
Homemade spaghetti sauce is a simple yet rewarding dish that elevates your meals. With fresh ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a sauce that is flavorful and satisfying. Enjoy this classic recipe, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well.
- Sprinkle in sugar, oregano, and basil, stirring to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti and garnish with fresh basil.
