Make Spaghetti Sauce From Crushed Tomatoes
Spaghetti is a classic Italian dish that has become a staple in many American households. The perfect spaghetti sauce is essential for a delicious and authentic taste. While there are many different types of sauces, making spaghetti sauce from crushed tomatoes is a popular choice. It is easy to make and provides the perfect base for a variety of flavor combinations. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process for making spaghetti sauce from crushed tomatoes.
Ingredients:
To make spaghetti sauce from crushed tomatoes, you will need:
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these steps to make spaghetti sauce from crushed tomatoes:
Step 1: Prepare the Onion and Garlic
Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Crushed Tomatoes
Add the crushed tomatoes to the pot with the onion and garlic. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
Add the salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), dried basil, dried oregano, and bay leaf to the sauce. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too acidic, add a tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
Step 6: Serve
Your spaghetti sauce from crushed tomatoes is now ready to be served! Pour it over cooked spaghetti noodles and enjoy.
Tips for Making Spaghetti Sauce from Crushed Tomatoes:
- Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce before simmering.
- If you don't have dried basil and oregano, you can use fresh herbs instead. Use 1 tablespoon of each.
- If you want to add meat to your sauce, brown 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage before adding the onion and garlic.
Now that you know how to make spaghetti sauce from crushed tomatoes, you can experiment with different flavor combinations to find your perfect sauce. Whether you prefer a spicy sauce or a sweet sauce, the possibilities are endless.