Spaghetti Sauce From Tomato Paste And Diced Tomatoes
Spaghetti sauce is a classic dish that is loved by many. It is versatile, easy to make, and can be customized to suit different tastes. While there are many different types of spaghetti sauce, one of the easiest and most delicious is spaghetti sauce made from tomato paste and diced tomatoes. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious sauce, as well as some tips on how to customize it to your liking.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let's go over the ingredients you will need:
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
These ingredients should be readily available at your local grocery store. If you can't find canned diced tomatoes, you can substitute with fresh tomatoes. You will need to peel and dice them before using.
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, it's time to start making the sauce. Here's how:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
- Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Be careful not to over-blend, as the sauce may become too thin.
- Return the sauce to the saucepan and heat it over low heat until warmed through. Serve immediately over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
This recipe makes enough sauce for about 6 servings of spaghetti. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Customizations
One of the great things about spaghetti sauce is that it is very customizable. Here are some ways you can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes:
- Add meat: If you prefer a meatier sauce, you can brown some ground beef or Italian sausage before adding the onion and garlic.
- Add vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots to the sauce to make it more nutritious.
- Make it spicy: If you like spicy food, you can add more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeno pepper to the sauce.
- Make it creamy: If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce after blending.
Conclusion
Spaghetti sauce made from tomato paste and diced tomatoes is a simple and delicious dish that anyone can make. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a flavorful sauce that is perfect for spaghetti or any other type of pasta. Feel free to experiment with different spices and ingredients to make the sauce your own. Bon appétit!