Description
Nonna’s classic Homemade Spaghetti Sauce from Italy simmers with rich tomato depth and aromatic herbs. Hearty marinara brings comfort with generations of family tradition you can savor in each delicious spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup (120 ml) water or vegetable broth (optional, for consistency)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium warmth. Sauté diced onions until translucent, releasing their inherent sweetness.
- Flavor Infusion: Add minced garlic and let it bloom for a minute, creating an aromatic base that will permeate the entire sauce.
- Tomato Transformation: Incorporate crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste into the pan. Blend dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes, stirring to integrate the seasonings thoroughly.
- Flavor Development: Reduce heat to low, allowing the sauce to simmer uncovered. Periodically stir to prevent sticking and promote even flavor concentration. If the sauce becomes too thick, introduce vegetable broth or water to maintain an ideal consistency.
- Seasoning Calibration: After 25 minutes, adjust the flavor profile by adding salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar to balance the tomatoes’ natural acidity.
- Texture Refinement: Use an immersion blender or transfer to a standard blender to create a smooth, uniform sauce with a velvety texture.
- Culinary Presentation: Toss the meticulously crafted sauce with freshly cooked spaghetti, ensuring complete coverage. Finish with a garnish of fresh basil leaves and a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese for a classic Italian touch.
Notes
- Optimize Aromatics: Finely dice onions and mince garlic for maximum flavor infusion, ensuring even cooking and preventing harsh, raw tastes.
- Balancing Acidity: Add a pinch of sugar to neutralize tomatoes’ sharp tang, creating a harmonious and rounded sauce flavor profile without overwhelming sweetness.
- Consistency Control: Simmer sauce uncovered to allow natural reduction, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and achieve desired thickness – thicker sauce means more concentrated flavors.
- Dietary Adaptations: Transform sauce into vegan version by replacing Parmesan with nutritional yeast, or make gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free and pairing with alternative pasta options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg