Description
This classic 130-Year-Old Italian Spaghetti Sauce is a timeless recipe combining crushed tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of sweetness to create a rich and flavorful sauce. Perfectly simmered to deepen the flavors, it pairs wonderfully with freshly cooked spaghetti for an authentic Italian meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all ingredients and prepare them by dicing the onions and mincing the garlic.
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté onions: Add the diced onions to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they become translucent and tender.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, taking care not to let it burn to maintain its flavor.
- Add tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Season sauce: Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Simmer sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust consistency and seasoning: If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit of water to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as necessary.
- Serve: Toss freshly cooked spaghetti with the sauce or serve the sauce on top, then enjoy your authentic Italian meal!
Notes
- Simmering the sauce slowly enriches the flavors and improves the texture.
- Sugar is optional and helps balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
- Fresh basil can be substituted for dried basil for a brighter flavor, added at the end of cooking.
- This sauce freezes well for up to 3 months.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian spaghetti sauce, classic tomato sauce, homemade pasta sauce, traditional Italian recipe, easy spaghetti sauce
