Art'S Spaghetti Sauce
A rich and flavorful homemade spaghetti sauce with fresh vegetables and herbs, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings, adaptable with added meats if desired.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the onion, carrots, celery, and green pepper into a blender and liquify.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot.
- Brown the garlic in the oil, then discard the garlic pieces.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, 16 ounces of water, and the contents of the blender.
- Add the spices and simmer the sauce for 3 hours.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper for heat. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can work as substitutes; just use a third of the amount. To enhance the sauce's texture, add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan during the simmering process. You can also substitute any of the vegetables with what's in season or what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, or pair it with crusty bread and a side salad for a complete meal. It goes particularly well with Italian Cauliflower Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with Chuck's Pasta And Fagioli for a filling dinner. Don't forget to top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese!
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Art'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 329 calories, with 12g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (141% of the Daily Value), iron (63% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1154mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just remember to reheat gently to maintain its texture.
What can I substitute for celery?
If you don't have celery, you can use extra carrots, bell peppers, or even zucchini. Each will add a different flavor and texture to the sauce while maintaining its overall character. Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables!
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?
If your sauce turns out too thin, simmer it uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix in a little cornstarch dissolved in water or add a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese to help thicken it up.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).