Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

This classic homemade Italian spaghetti sauce is simple, flavorful, and perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta. Made with ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and just the right balance of garlic and onion, it’s the perfect sauce for a hearty and delicious meal. Plus, it’s easy to make from scratch with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!

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Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Sauce, Italian, Comfort Food
• Servings: 4-6 servings

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Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, peeled and crushed)
• 1 (14 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to reduce acidity)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine.
2. Add the salt, sugar (if using), oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

1. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help thicken the sauce and allow the flavors to meld together. You can adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
3. Taste the sauce halfway through and adjust the seasoning if necessary (more salt, sugar, or herbs).

Step 4: Serve

1. Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors are well developed, remove from heat.
2. Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti, pasta, or lasagna. Garnish with fresh parsley and basil leaves for added freshness and flavor.

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Tips and Variations:

• Fresh Tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to remove the skins, then peel and crush them. You’ll need about 6-8 medium tomatoes to replace the canned tomatoes.
• Add Meat: For a meat sauce (Bolognese-style), brown ground beef or ground pork before adding the onions and garlic. Add the meat to the sauce after sautéing the aromatics.
• Flavor Variations: You can experiment with adding other herbs such as rosemary or bay leaves for additional depth of flavor.
• Richness: For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream at the end of cooking.

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Enjoy Your Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce!

This homemade Italian spaghetti sauce is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions. It’s packed with bold, savory flavors and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Serve it up with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a truly satisfying meal! 🍝🍷

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