Homemade Spaghetti Sauce With Tomato Paste

Spaghetti is a popular Italian dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world. It is a simple yet delicious meal that can be served with a variety of sauces. One of the most popular sauces for spaghetti is tomato sauce. While you can easily buy pre-made tomato sauce from the grocery store, nothing beats the taste of homemade spaghetti sauce with tomato paste. In this article, we will show you how to make your own spaghetti sauce with tomato paste from scratch.

What is Tomato Paste?

Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomato that is made by cooking tomatoes for several hours until they become thick and paste-like in consistency. It is a common ingredient in many recipes, including spaghetti sauce. Tomato paste is rich in flavor and adds a deep, savory taste to any dish it is added to. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and iron.

Ingredients You Will Need

Before you start making your homemade spaghetti sauce with tomato paste, you will need to gather the following ingredients:

1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

Instructions for Making Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Tomato Paste

How To Make Spaghetti Sauce With Tomato Paste

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, follow these steps to make your own homemade spaghetti sauce with tomato paste:

Related Spaghetti

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Add the tomato paste to the saucepan and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomato paste has darkened in color and developed a richer flavor.
Add the diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a tablespoon of sugar to the mixture and stir well to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. Once it has cooled, transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth. You can also use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the saucepan.
Your homemade spaghetti sauce with tomato paste is now ready to serve. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips for Making the Perfect Spaghetti Sauce

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect spaghetti sauce with tomato paste:

Use good quality tomatoes for the best flavor. You can use fresh tomatoes if they are in season, or canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available.
Be sure to cook the onion and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. This will bring out their flavors and add depth to the sauce.
Let the sauce simmer for at least 30-40 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. The longer you let it simmer, the richer and more flavorful it will be.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more tomato paste or let the sauce simmer for longer to reduce it.
If the sauce is too acidic, you can add a pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acidity.
Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste. You can add other herbs and spices, such as thyme or red pepper flakes, or add cooked meat, such as ground beef or Italian sausage, for a hearty sauce.

Conclusion

Homemade spaghetti sauce with tomato paste is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that is perfect for pasta lovers. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can make your own spaghetti sauce from scratch using just a few basic ingredients. With its rich, savory flavor and deep red color, this sauce is sure to impress your dinner guests and become a family favorite. So why wait? Grab a saucepan and some tomatoes and start cooking!