Charlotte Peter'S Marinari Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, meatless spaghetti sauce packed with mushrooms, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for a wholesome, flavorful vegetarian meal that appeals to all pasta lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak dried mushrooms in just enough water to cover.
- Saute sliced onion and diced green pepper in salad oil until soft.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced garlic, sugar, Italian seasoning, cumin powder, soaked mushrooms with their water, salt, and pepper.
- Cook over low heat for about 30 minutes.
- Pour sauce over cooked spaghetti and top with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while cooking the sauce. If you don’t have dried mushrooms, fresh ones or even canned mushrooms can work as substitutes, although the soaking step can be skipped. Adjust the sugar based on your preference for sweetness. This sauce is a great base for other Italian recipes, so feel free to experiment with additional herbs or vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This spaghetti sauce pairs beautifully with cooked spaghetti, but it can also be served over penne or rigatoni for a different texture. Add a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a lighter option, serve it with Easy Italian Vegetables. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Charlotte Peter'S Marinari Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 500 calories, with 5g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1072mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this spaghetti sauce a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight in the fridge allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just reheat it gently before serving over freshly cooked pasta.
Is this sauce suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this sauce is vegan as it does not contain any animal products. Just ensure you serve it with a vegan pasta and omit any cheese toppings, or use a vegan cheese alternative if desired.
Can I add meat to this sauce?
Absolutely! You can enhance this sauce by adding ground beef, sausage, or turkey. Just brown the meat in the skillet before adding the vegetables and continue with the recipe as directed. This will create a hearty meat sauce that's perfect for spaghetti.
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).