Spaghetti Sauce Made With Crushed Tomatoes
Spaghetti sauce is a staple in many American households. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, having a delicious sauce to pair with your pasta is a must. While there are many different types of spaghetti sauces out there, one of the most popular versions is made with crushed tomatoes.
What Are Crushed Tomatoes?
Crushed tomatoes are whole tomatoes that have been chopped up into small, bite-sized pieces. They are typically canned and are a popular ingredient in many different types of recipes, including spaghetti sauce. Crushed tomatoes are a great option for spaghetti sauce because they have a slightly chunky texture that adds a lot of flavor and texture to the sauce.
Ingredients
To make spaghetti sauce with crushed tomatoes, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cans of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces each)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make spaghetti sauce with crushed tomatoes:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add the cans of crushed tomatoes to the saucepan and stir well to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Add the oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the saucepan and stir well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After 30 minutes, your spaghetti sauce with crushed tomatoes should be ready to serve. You can serve it over your favorite type of pasta, or use it as a base for other Italian dishes like lasagna or baked ziti.
Tips for Making the Perfect Spaghetti Sauce
If you want to take your spaghetti sauce with crushed tomatoes to the next level, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use high-quality crushed tomatoes. The quality of your tomatoes will have a big impact on the flavor of your sauce, so make sure to choose a brand that you trust.
- Don't skimp on the herbs and spices. The oregano, basil, salt, and pepper are what give your sauce its flavor, so make sure to measure them out carefully and use high-quality spices.
- Add some red wine. Many chefs swear by adding a splash of red wine to their spaghetti sauce to give it a rich, complex flavor.
- Let it simmer. The longer you let your sauce simmer, the more flavorful it will become. Aim for at least 30 minutes of simmering time, but feel free to let it go for longer if you have the time.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste. Once your sauce has simmered for a while, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might need a bit more salt, or you might want to add some more red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
In Conclusion
Making spaghetti sauce with crushed tomatoes is a great way to create a delicious and flavorful sauce that your family will love. By following our step-by-step recipe and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a sauce that will rival your favorite Italian restaurant. And with a bit of experimentation and some creative flavor combinations, you can create your own unique version of this classic dish.