BY KRISTEN GARRIDO
Store-bought sauces are convenient, but homemade spaghetti sauce brings out rich, fresh flavors. Plus, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste!
Perfect for pasta night, this recipe will have you savoring authentic Italian flavors right from your kitchen!
You'll need tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, onions, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Optionally, add sugar, red pepper flakes and fresh herbs for a deeper flavor.
Start with fresh, ripe tomatoes. Blanch and peel them by boiling briefly, then removing the skins. Chop them coarsely for a rustic texture.
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they're soft and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base.
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan, stirring them with the garlic and onions. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Stir in salt, pepper, and dried herbs like basil and oregano. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Adjust flavors as needed.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and deepen the sauce’s flavor.
Taste your sauce and add more salt, herbs or a pinch of sugar if needed. Adjust until you’re satisfied with the flavor.
Your sauce is ready! Toss it with cooked spaghetti, garnish with fresh basil or parsley and add parmesan cheese if desired.
Making sauce from scratch lets you control the ingredients, flavors and quality.