Making Homemade Spaghetti Sauce To Freeze
Spaghetti sauce is a staple in many households, but store-bought sauces can be filled with preservatives and high in sodium. Making your own homemade spaghetti sauce not only tastes better, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and create a healthier option. Plus, it's easy to make a large batch and freeze it for future meals. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about making homemade spaghetti sauce to freeze.
Ingredients
The ingredients for homemade spaghetti sauce can vary depending on personal preference, but the basic ingredients include:
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (28 ounces) tomato puree
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to start making your homemade spaghetti sauce to freeze.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, sugar, salt, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
- Once the sauce has cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to leave about an inch of space at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers with the date and type of sauce, and then store them in the freezer.
Other Tips
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when making homemade spaghetti sauce to freeze:
- You can add meat to your spaghetti sauce if you prefer. Brown the meat before adding it to the sauce.
- If you want a smoother sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender or in a regular blender (be careful not to burn yourself with hot sauce!).
- Make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn. Glass containers are also a good option.
- Thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it.
- You can use the sauce for more than just spaghetti. Try it on pizza, in lasagna, or over meatballs.
Conclusion
Making homemade spaghetti sauce to freeze is a great way to save time and money while still enjoying a delicious and healthy meal. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a sauce that is perfect for all your favorite pasta dishes. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what is in your sauce and that it's free from preservatives and other unwanted additives. So, next time you're in the mood for spaghetti, try making your own homemade sauce and freezing the leftovers for later!
