Brandied Spaghetti Sauce
Brandied Spaghetti Sauce offers a rich, savory flavor with a hint of sophistication from brandy. The combination of seasoned tomatoes, herbs, and a splash of brandy creates a delightful sauce perfect for pasta lovers seeking a gourmet touch. Ideal for casual dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 can (16 oz.) stewed tomatoes, mashed ⓘ
- 1 cup Italian style tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried oregano leaves, crumbled
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 cup brandy ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, sauté celery, onion, and garlic in oil until the onion is tender but not browned.
- Add mashed stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, herbs, and pepper to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade tomato sauce or adding a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. If you're out of brandy, white wine or balsamic vinegar can serve as substitutes. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish; if available, use fresh basil and oregano instead of dried. This sauce can be easily adapted for vegan recipes by omitting the brandy or using vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
This brandied spaghetti sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Serve it alongside a light salad, such as a Calamari Salad (Italian), for a balanced meal. For a heartier dinner, consider serving it with Italian Sesame Seed Bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice finishing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover brandied spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brandied Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 308 calories, with 3g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2125mg per serving (92% 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?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day in the fridge. Just reheat on the stove before serving, adding a bit of water if necessary.
Is there a way to make this sauce spicier?
Certainly! To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while the sauce simmers. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference to enhance the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
What pasta works best with this sauce?
This brandied spaghetti sauce works well with any pasta, but traditional spaghetti is ideal due to its ability to hold the sauce. Other great options include fettuccine or penne. For a lighter option, try serving it over zucchini noodles for a fresh twist.
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).