Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta night into a culinary masterpiece with Beth's Famous Spaghetti Sauce! This mouth-watering recipe is more than just a sauce – it's a time-honored tradition that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine a rich, deeply flavored sauce that simmers for hours, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that transports you straight to the heart of Italy. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is your ticket to sauce-making greatness!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean workspace. Ensure that your fresh tomatoes are ripe and your onions are of good quality for the best flavor.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute until it shimmers slightly.
- Add the finely chopped medium onion to the pan. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor base for your sauce.
- Next, add the minced garlic cloves to the pan. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn, as this can create a bitter taste.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, add the chopped fresh tomatoes to the saucepan. Stir well to combine the ingredients, allowing the fresh tomatoes to cook down for about 5 minutes.
- After the fresh tomatoes have softened, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir the mixture to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Add salt and pepper to taste, starting with about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Adjust according to your preference.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar to allow steam to escape.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for
- 5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors meld together. The longer you let it simmer, the richer the flavor will become.
- After the sauce has simmered, taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can continue to simmer it uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly before serving over your favorite pasta.
- Enjoy Beth's Famous Spaghetti Sauce with freshly cooked spaghetti, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. This sauce can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for later use.
Tips
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use the ripest, freshest tomatoes you can find. The better the ingredients, the more spectacular the sauce.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Patient simmering is the secret to developing deep, complex flavors. Don't rush the cooking process.
- Stir Occasionally: Prevent sticking and ensure even flavor distribution by giving your sauce an occasional gentle stir.
- Taste and Adjust: Don't be afraid to tweak the seasonings. Your palate is the ultimate judge of perfect flavor.
- Make Ahead and Freeze: This sauce freezes beautifully. Make a large batch and store portions for quick and delicious meals later.
- Fresh Herbs are a Bonus: If you have fresh basil or oregano, consider adding a sprinkle just before serving for an extra flavor boost.
- The Right Pan Makes a Difference: Use a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
