Spaghetti is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. One of the most popular ways to enjoy spaghetti is with a delicious spaghetti sauce. A good spaghetti sauce can turn a plain plate of spaghetti into a mouth-watering meal. If you’re looking to make your spaghetti sauce even more delicious, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the things you can add to your spaghetti sauce to take it to the next level.
1. Garlic
Garlic is a staple ingredient in many Italian dishes, and for good reason. It adds a delicious flavor to any dish, including spaghetti sauce. You can add minced garlic to your spaghetti sauce while it’s cooking or sauté it in olive oil before adding it to the sauce. If you love garlic, don’t be afraid to add a lot of it to your spaghetti sauce.
2. Meat
Adding meat to your spaghetti sauce is a great way to make it more filling and flavorful. You can use ground beef, ground turkey, or even Italian sausage. Brown the meat in a pan before adding it to the sauce. This will help give the meat a nice flavor and texture.
3. Wine
Wine is another ingredient that can take your spaghetti sauce to the next level. Adding a splash of red wine to your sauce can help deepen the flavor and make it more complex. Be sure to choose a good-quality wine that you would enjoy drinking on its own.
4. Cheese
Adding cheese to your spaghetti sauce can help make it creamier and more flavorful. Parmesan cheese is a popular choice, but you can also use mozzarella, provolone, or any other type of cheese you like. Add the cheese to the sauce near the end of the cooking process and stir until it’s melted and well-incorporated.
5. Vegetables
Adding vegetables to your spaghetti sauce is a great way to make it healthier and more flavorful. You can add diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or any other vegetable you like. Sauté the vegetables in olive oil before adding them to the sauce to help bring out their flavors.
6. Herbs
Herbs are a great way to add flavor and depth to your spaghetti sauce. Try adding basil, oregano, thyme, or rosemary to your sauce. You can use fresh or dried herbs, but fresh herbs will give your sauce a brighter flavor.
7. Sugar
Adding a small amount of sugar to your spaghetti sauce can help balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste. Be careful not to add too much sugar, or your sauce will become too sweet.
8. Anchovies
Adding anchovies to your spaghetti sauce might sound strange, but it’s a traditional ingredient in many Italian recipes. Anchovies add a salty, umami flavor to the sauce that can’t be replicated with any other ingredient. Mash the anchovies into a paste before adding them to the sauce to help them incorporate more easily.
9. Red Pepper Flakes
If you like your spaghetti sauce a little spicy, try adding red pepper flakes. They’ll add a nice kick of heat to your sauce without overpowering the other flavors. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
10. Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is a great way to add sweetness and acidity to your spaghetti sauce. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar near the end of the cooking process to help brighten up the flavors of the sauce.
By adding these ingredients to your spaghetti sauce, you can take it from good to great. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find the perfect spaghetti sauce for you.