Spaghetti is one of the most popular and beloved dishes around the world. However, the secret to making a delicious spaghetti is in the sauce. Homemade spaghetti sauce is easy to make, and it tastes so much better than store-bought. Not only is it flavorful, but it’s also versatile. You can use it for spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, anything you can think of!
If you’ve never made spaghetti sauce before, don’t worry! In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a delicious and flavorful sauce that your family and friends will love.
Ingredients:
To make spaghetti sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (28 oz) of whole peeled tomatoes
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
2. Add the tomato paste to the pan and stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
3. Add the crushed and whole peeled tomatoes and stir to combine.
4. Add the sugar, salt, dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and stir to combine.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the sauce to a blender and blend that way.
7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt, sugar, or spices.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?
A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes. Use about 2 lbs of fresh tomatoes, and peel and dice them before adding them to the saucepan.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make the sauce in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce in a slow cooker. Combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally.
Q: Can I add meat to the sauce?
A: Yes, you can add meat to the sauce. Brown 1 lb of ground beef, turkey, or sausage in a skillet before adding it to the saucepan. Alternatively, you can add cooked meatballs or Italian sausage to the sauce.
Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
A: Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs. Use 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for every teaspoon of dried herbs. Add the fresh herbs to the sauce in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion:
Making homemade spaghetti sauce is easy, and it’s a great way to add extra flavor to your favorite Italian dishes. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to create a flavorful and versatile sauce that your family and friends will love. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your own unique version of spaghetti sauce. Enjoy!