Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Spaghetti, a classic comfort food loved worldwide, owes much of its deliciousness to the sauce that accompanies it. While store-bought sauces are convenient, nothing quite beats the flavor and satisfaction of homemade spaghetti sauce. Here’s a delightful recipe that promises to elevate your pasta dish to new heights.

Ingredients:

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Ground Beef: 1 pound (you can also use ground turkey or omit for a vegetarian version)
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces
• Tomato Paste: 6 ounces
• Red Wine: 1/2 cup (optional, but adds depth)
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon (balances the acidity of tomatoes)
• Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Fresh Basil Leaves: For garnish (optional)
• Parmesan Cheese: For serving

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

• Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

1. Brown the Meat (if using):

• Push the onion and garlic to the side of the pan and add the ground beef (or turkey). Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine (if using). Mix well to combine all ingredients.

1. Season and Simmer:

• Add sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

1. Simmer and Blend Flavors:

• Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have the time). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

1. Serve:

• Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips:

• Make it Vegetarian: Skip the ground meat and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for texture.
• Store and Freeze: This sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Versatility: Use this sauce not only for spaghetti but also as a base for lasagna, baked ziti, or as a dipping sauce for garlic bread.

Enjoy this homemade spaghetti sauce recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The rich flavors and comforting aroma will have your family and friends asking for seconds!