Barb'S Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, flavorful homemade spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of sweetness, perfect for family dinners and special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the tomatoes or put them through a juicer.
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then pour into hot jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried, and add a splash of red wine for depth. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it after cooking. For a healthier option, substitute some of the sugar with honey or agave syrup. This sauce can also be enriched with vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti or penne, making it a perfect base for classic Italian dishes. Serve it alongside a simple salad and crusty bread, like Grandmother's Italian Bread, for a complete meal. For a twist, try it over grilled chicken or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barb'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 1275 calories, with 25g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (184% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (97% of the Daily Value), and iron (97% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 705mg per serving (31% 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 use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned tomatoes for convenience. Use about 10-12 cups of canned crushed tomatoes to replace the half bushel of fresh tomatoes. Drain excess liquid to avoid a watery sauce.
How can I make the sauce less sweet?
If you find the sauce too sweet, simply reduce the amount of sugar. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors, enhancing the overall taste without compromising the sauce's integrity.
Is this sauce suitable for canning?
Absolutely! This sauce can be canned safely. Ensure to use sterilized jars and follow proper canning guidelines for storage. Fill the jars while the sauce is hot, leaving appropriate headspace, and process in a water bath for the recommended time.
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).