Spaghetti Sauce Made With Tomato Puree
There's nothing quite like a hearty plate of spaghetti with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. While there are many different ways to make spaghetti sauce, one of the easiest and most delicious is to use tomato puree as the base. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide to making your own spaghetti sauce with tomato puree that is sure to impress your family and friends.
What is Tomato Puree?
Before we get started with the recipe, it's important to understand what tomato puree is. Tomato puree is a thick and smooth paste made from cooked and strained tomatoes. It's a popular ingredient in many Italian dishes, including spaghetti sauce, because it has a rich and concentrated tomato flavor. Tomato puree is also a versatile ingredient that can be used in many other recipes, such as soups, stews, and casseroles.
Ingredients
Now that you know what tomato puree is, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need to make spaghetti sauce with tomato puree:
- 1 can (28 ounces) of tomato puree
- 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
These ingredients can be easily found at any grocery store. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground beef and add more vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Instructions
Now that you have all of the ingredients, let's get started with the recipe:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Add the tomato puree and tomato paste to the saucepan and stir until everything is well combined.
- Add the oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper and stir to combine.
- If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a tablespoon of sugar to the mixture.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you let it cook, the more flavorful it will be.
That's it! Your spaghetti sauce with tomato puree is ready to be served. You can serve it over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne. Top it off with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best spaghetti sauce with tomato puree:
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially the tomato puree. Look for brands that use ripe, fresh tomatoes and have no added preservatives or chemicals.
- Add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like your sauce spicy.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Making spaghetti sauce with tomato puree is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a classic Italian dish. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful and satisfying sauce that will impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious it can be?