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Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
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This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is a simple, flavorful, and versatile sauce made from fresh and pantry staples. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines rich tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of sweetness into a comforting sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, meatballs, and more. Family-friendly and make-ahead friendly, it brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed or whole peeled tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring to release its aroma without burning.
  2. Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Pour in crushed or whole peeled tomatoes (breaking whole tomatoes apart with a spoon). Stir in dried Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and sugar or honey to balance the acidity. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Let It Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce uncovered for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the sauce to thicken and all the flavors to meld into a rich consistency.
  4. Finish with Fresh Basil: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves to brighten the flavor and add a fresh herbal touch. Serve immediately or let cool for storage.

Notes

  • Use quality canned tomatoes for a richer sauce flavor.
  • Simmering slowly enhances depth and texture.
  • A pinch of sugar balances tomato acidity for smoothness.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright flavors.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding a splash of water if needed.
  • Variations include adding red pepper flakes for spice, browned meat for heartiness, or diced vegetables for extra nutrition.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade spaghetti sauce, easy tomato sauce, Italian pasta sauce, quick pasta sauce, vegetarian sauce, vegan sauce, pantry staple sauce

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/homemade-spaghetti-sauce/