Tomato Sauce For Spaghetti And Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by Americans for generations. While the meatballs are an important part of the dish, the tomato sauce is what ties it all together. A good tomato sauce can make or break the dish, which is why it’s important to make sure you get it right. In this article, we’ll show you how to make the perfect tomato sauce for spaghetti and meatballs, step-by-step.
What You Will Need
Before we get started, let’s go over what you will need to make this delicious tomato sauce. Here’s a list of the ingredients:
- 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started on making the tomato sauce:
Step 1: Saute the Onion and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and saute until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Add the two cans of whole peeled tomatoes to the pot, including the juice. Crush the tomatoes with a wooden spoon or potato masher. Add the salt, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Bring the tomato sauce to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer the sauce simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will become.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce
Once the sauce has finished simmering, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender to puree it until it’s smooth. Be careful not to over-blend the sauce, as you want it to still have some texture.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your tomato sauce is now ready to use! Serve it over spaghetti and meatballs or use it as a base for other Italian dishes. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the best tomato sauce:
- Use whole peeled tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender or regular blender, you can use a food mill instead to puree the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water to thin it out.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add more or less oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
And there you have it - the ultimate tomato sauce recipe for spaghetti and meatballs! With these step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you’ll be able to make a delicious and flavorful sauce that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try tonight?
