Dolly'S Spaghetti Sauce
Dolly's Spaghetti Sauce is a rich and flavorful tomato sauce that brings a taste of Italy to your table. With fragrant garlic, sweet basil, and a hint of sugar, this sauce is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It's simple yet satisfying, catering to both pasta lovers and home cooks alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown 1 clove of garlic in a tablespoon of oil.
- Remove from flame and cool slightly.
- Add 1 large can of tomato sauce or puree.
- Add 1 small can of tomato paste and 4 cans of water.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar, garlic powder (2 shakes), a sprinkle of black pepper, and 1 or 2 basil leaves.
- Bring to a boil; lower flame and simmer for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of red wine while simmering. If you don't have fresh basil, dried basil can be used as a substitute; just adjust the quantity to avoid overpowering the sauce. Additionally, using crushed tomatoes instead of tomato sauce can give the sauce a heartier texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, for a classic dish. It pairs beautifully with Creamy Italian Pasta Salad or a side of Italian Cole Slaw for a complete meal. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dolly'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 521 calories, with 22g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (183% of the Daily Value), iron (111% of the Daily Value), and calcium (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 923mg per serving (40% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes in this recipe. About 2-3 pounds of fresh tomatoes should be peeled and chopped, and you may need to adjust the cooking time since fresh tomatoes contain more water. Simmer until they break down and achieve a sauce-like consistency.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, you can incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Start with a small amount, taste, and adjust according to your preference. This will give an extra kick without overpowering the original flavors.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this spaghetti sauce is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. It's a great option for those following vegan recipes. Pair it with gluten-free pasta if needed, making it accessible for various dietary preferences.
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).