Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Made From Scratch
There's nothing like a homemade spaghetti sauce made from scratch. The aroma of fresh herbs and spices mixed with the rich tomato sauce is enough to make anyone's mouth water. Not only is it delicious, but it's also healthier and more affordable than buying pre-made sauces from the store. In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know to make your own homemade spaghetti sauce from scratch.
Ingredients
The first step in making homemade spaghetti sauce is gathering all the necessary ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes (28 oz each)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, it's time to start making the sauce. Here's how:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes or until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the canned tomatoes, including the juice, and use a potato masher to break them down into small pieces.
- Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, remove it from the heat.
- Allow the sauce to cool slightly before using it to top your favorite pasta.
Tips and Tricks
Making homemade spaghetti sauce can be a bit of a process, but the end result is well worth it. Here are some tips and tricks to help you along the way:
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce after it has simmered for an hour.
- Feel free to add other ingredients to the sauce, such as ground beef, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Double or triple the recipe and freeze the extra sauce for later use.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more or less salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes depending on your taste preferences.
Conclusion
Making homemade spaghetti sauce from scratch may seem intimidating at first, but it's actually quite simple. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious sauce that will rival even the best store-bought brands. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what went into your sauce and the peace of mind that comes with making something from scratch. So why not give it a try?
