Homemade Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce With Fresh Tomatoes
Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that has become a staple in households all over the world. The sauce is made with a combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs, and is served over a bed of pasta. While many people opt for store-bought sauce, making your own homemade sauce is not only easy but also healthier and more flavorful. In this article, we will be sharing a recipe for Homemade Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. fresh tomatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
Instructions:
- Begin by peeling and dicing the tomatoes. To do this, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the tomatoes. Boil for 30 seconds, then remove from the water and let cool. The skin should easily peel off. Once the tomatoes are peeled, dice them into small pieces.
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
- If using red wine, add it to the saucepan and stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 30 minutes, remove the lid and let the sauce simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Once the sauce is done simmering, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve the spaghetti bolognese sauce over cooked pasta, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Why Make Your Own Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce?
While it may be convenient to buy pre-made spaghetti sauce from the store, making your own homemade sauce has several advantages. First, homemade sauce is healthier than store-bought sauce, as it doesn't contain any preservatives or added sugars. Second, making your own sauce allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. Finally, homemade sauce is often more flavorful than store-bought sauce, as it is made with fresh ingredients and cooked slowly to develop a rich, complex flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned tomatoes instead.
- Don't skimp on the herbs and spices. The combination of basil, oregano, salt, and pepper is what gives this sauce its classic flavor.
- Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. The longer the sauce simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will become.
- Use a good quality ground beef for the best flavor. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- If you like your sauce a little spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to customize the flavor of the sauce. Some people like to add carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Making your own Homemade Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic Italian dish. By using fresh ingredients and taking the time to simmer the sauce, you can create a rich and flavorful sauce that is healthier and more delicious than store-bought sauce. So next time you're in the mood for spaghetti, try making your own homemade sauce and taste the difference!