Rustic Italian Herb Spaghetti Sauce

Name: Rustic Italian Herb Spaghetti Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (28 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 2 tsp sugar; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 45 min

🍽 Serves: 6

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This Rustic Italian Herb Spaghetti Sauce brings the authentic flavors of Italy straight to your kitchen. With fresh herbs and a touch of balsamic vinegar, it's a sauce that goes beyond the ordinary, making your pasta nights extra special.

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Ingredients for Rustic Italian Herb Spaghetti Sauce

Olive oil is the base that infuses the sauce with a smooth, rich texture. Onion, finely chopped, adds sweetness and depth, while garlic brings an aromatic zing. The star of our sauce, whole peeled tomatoes, is crushed by hand to maintain a rustic texture. Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor, working alongside fresh basil and oregano for that classic Italian essence. A hint of dried thyme and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes introduce warmth and complexity. Sugar mellows the acidity of the tomatoes, and a splash of balsamic vinegar adds a sophisticated tang. Finally, adjust salt and pepper to bring all the flavors together.

Tips & Tricks

For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender before serving.
Let the sauce sit overnight in the fridge for deeper flavors.
Use quality canned tomatoes for the best taste.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce shines with spaghetti, but don't stop there. Try it over zucchini noodles for a lighter option, or use it as a base for homemade pizza. Pair it with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this sauce?: Absolutely! It freezes beautifully. Store in an airtight container for up to three months.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?: You can, but fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavor. If using dried, reduce the quantity by a third.

Rustic Italian Herb Spaghetti Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.

Add in the minced garlic, cooking for just a minute until its aroma fills the kitchen. Be careful not to let it burn—it should just get fragrant.

Now it's time for the tomatoes. Take your whole peeled tomatoes and crush them with your hands over the pot. This might get a little messy, but it's a fun way to keep the sauce chunky. Pour in all the juices from the can, too.

Stir in the tomato paste to thicken things up, then add your fresh basil, oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir these in well so the flavors can start mingling.

Add sugar and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors develop.

After simmering, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot over your favorite pasta.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Uses fresh herbs for a vibrant flavor profile.
Easy to make with pantry staples.
Perfectly balances sweet and savory elements.
Simmered to perfection for a rich, deep taste.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 (28 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes

1/4 cup tomato paste

1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

2 tsp sugar

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Crush the canned tomatoes with your hands and add them to the pot along with the juices.

4. Stir in the tomato paste, fresh basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes.

5. Add sugar and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper.

6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot over your favorite pasta.

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