Spaghetti Sauce With Celery And Carrots
Spaghetti sauce is a staple in many households, but have you ever thought of adding celery and carrots to your recipe? Not only do they add a delicious and unique flavor, but they also provide valuable nutrients. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to make spaghetti sauce with celery and carrots that is sure to become a family favorite.
Health Benefits of Celery and Carrots
Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a look at the health benefits of celery and carrots. Celery is a low-calorie vegetable that is high in fiber and antioxidants. It can also help reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure. Carrots are also low in calories and high in fiber, as well as vitamin A and potassium. They can improve eye health, boost immunity, and promote healthy digestion. By adding these vegetables to your spaghetti sauce, you can increase the nutritional value of your meal.
Ingredients
To make spaghetti sauce with celery and carrots, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Now that you have gathered your ingredients, let's get cooking!
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, celery, carrots, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sauce has thickened and the vegetables are tender, it is ready to serve over spaghetti noodles.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to consider when making spaghetti sauce with celery and carrots:
- If you are vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or omit it altogether.
- To add more flavor, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried or add a splash of red wine to the sauce.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender or food processor.
- You can also add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Spaghetti sauce with celery and carrots is a delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to make at home. By adding these vegetables to your sauce, you can increase the nutritional value and add a unique flavor. We hope you enjoy this recipe and the health benefits that come with it.