Rustic Spaghetti Sauce with Fresh Herbs

Name: Rustic Spaghetti Sauce with Fresh Herbs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp red pepper flakes; 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp sugar; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh oregano leaves, chopped; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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This Rustic Spaghetti Sauce with Fresh Herbs is a delightful, homemade twist on a classic. Bursting with fresh flavors and a hint of heat, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. Let’s dive into this aromatic journey that brings the essence of an Italian garden right to your plate!

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Ingredients for Rustic Spaghetti Sauce with Fresh Herbs

The heart of this sauce is the blend of ripe tomatoes, providing a juicy base full of natural sweetness and acidity. A couple of tablespoons of olive oil set the stage with richness, helping to sauté our onion until it turns soft and sweet. The addition of garlic brings depth and a fragrant aroma, essential for any great sauce. A teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat that elevates the other flavors.

Using tomato paste thickens the sauce, enhancing its color and depth, while a sprinkle of sugar balances the acidity. Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano are the stars, providing an aromatic freshness. Finally, Parmesan cheese melds everything together with a touch of umami.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra smooth texture, blend the sauce with an immersion blender before adding the cheese.
If tomatoes are out of season, a can of good-quality whole tomatoes can substitute for fresh ones.
Always taste before serving; a pinch more salt or sugar can make all the difference.
Let the sauce cool and store in the fridge for a day to let flavors develop even further.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce is fantastic over your favorite spaghetti or any pasta. Try pairing it with a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of Chianti or a crisp sparkling water with lemon complements it beautifully!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this sauce?: Yes, it freezes wonderfully! Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to three months.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?: You can substitute with dried herbs, but use about one-third the amount as they are more concentrated.
Is this sauce spicy?: The red pepper flakes add a mild spice. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference.

Rustic Spaghetti Sauce with Fresh Herbs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once it shimmers, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for about five minutes until it becomes translucent. You'll know it's ready when the kitchen smells like sweet onions.

Next, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir them around for just a minute, releasing their flavors without burning the garlic. Now, fold in the ripe tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to ensure the paste dissolves into the liquid from the tomatoes.

Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and black pepper. These will balance the flavors perfectly. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, letting it bubble away for about 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and let the flavors meld and deepen.

In the final stages, add the chopped basil, parsley, and oregano. Let them infuse the sauce for another five minutes, then remove the pan from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese last, allowing it to melt and enrich the sauce.

Your rustic sauce is now ready to ladle over your favorite pasta. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Fresh herbs lend an authentic, vibrant flavor.
Simple preparation with ingredients you likely have on hand.
A touch of red pepper adds a subtle kick.
Perfect for using up ripe tomatoes from your garden.
Rich and hearty without being heavy.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp red pepper flakes

2 lbs ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp sugar

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 tbsp fresh oregano leaves, chopped

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

2. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cook for 1 minute.

4. Add chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, stir well.

5. Sprinkle in sugar, salt, and black pepper; mix to combine.

6. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Stir in chopped basil, parsley, and oregano; let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.