Traditional Tomato Spaghetti Sauce

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Traditional Tomato Spaghetti Sauce is your go-to recipe for a comforting, homemade meal. It's rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients for Traditional Tomato Spaghetti Sauce

The backbone of this sauce is the olive oil, which provides a luscious base for sautéing. A medium onion, finely chopped, adds a mild sweetness and depth. Garlic, minced, gives the sauce its aromatic warmth. Two cans of crushed tomatoes are the heart of the sauce, offering rich texture and vibrant color. Dried oregano and dried basil contribute earthy, herbal notes, while a touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory finish, and fresh basil leaves give a burst of fresh, green flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender after simmering.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Let the sauce sit for a day in the fridge for even better flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce pairs perfectly with al dente spaghetti and a side of garlic bread. For a heartier meal, toss in some sautéed mushrooms or cooked Italian sausage. Consider serving with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use about 4 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled and crushed.
How long does this sauce keep?
It can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Is there a way to make it vegan?
Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative.

Traditional Tomato Spaghetti Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your finely chopped onion. Let it sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This step builds a sweet and flavorful foundation.

Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute until its fragrance fills the kitchen. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.

Now, pour in the two cans of crushed tomatoes, followed by the dried oregano and dried basil. Sprinkle in the sugar to counteract the tomatoes' acidity, and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This patience allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Just before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves. This final touch adds a creamy texture and a burst of fresh flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients that pack a flavor punch.
  • Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.
  • Quick to prepare, making it a weeknight hero.
  • Versatile enough to be personalized with your favorite add-ins.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and sugar.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer; reduce heat to low and let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves before serving.

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