Making Spaghetti Sauce From Tomato Paste
Spaghetti sauce is a staple in many households, and for good reason. It's versatile, delicious, and easy to make. But what if you don't have fresh tomatoes on hand? No worries - you can still make a delicious spaghetti sauce using tomato paste! In this article, we'll walk you through the process of making spaghetti sauce from tomato paste, step by step.
Ingredients
Before we get started, let's gather our ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Note: You can adjust the seasonings to taste and add other ingredients as desired. This recipe is just a starting point!
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients, let's get started!
Step 1: Saute the onion and garlic
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and translucent.
Step 2: Add the tomato paste
Add the tomato paste to the saucepan and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste has darkened in color and the mixture is fragrant.
Step 3: Add the crushed tomatoes and seasonings
Next, add the can of crushed tomatoes and all of the seasonings (basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using). Stir to combine.
Step 4: Simmer and adjust seasonings
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.
Optional steps:
If you want to take your spaghetti sauce to the next level, try these optional steps:
Add red wine
For a deeper, richer flavor, add 1/4 cup of red wine to the saucepan after step 2. Let the wine cook off for a minute or two before adding the crushed tomatoes and seasonings.
Add sugar
If your sauce is too acidic, add 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance out the flavors.
Serving suggestions
Once your spaghetti sauce is ready, it's time to serve it up! Here are a few ideas:
- Toss with cooked spaghetti noodles and serve with garlic bread and a salad.
- Use as a pizza sauce and top with your favorite toppings.
- Use as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks.
Conclusion
Making spaghetti sauce from tomato paste is a great way to create a delicious and easy meal, even when you don't have fresh tomatoes on hand. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can whip up a flavorful sauce that will impress your family and friends. So the next time you're in a pinch, give this recipe a try!
