Gramma'S Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce with rich tomato and herb notes, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a comforting homemade taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, add margarine and tomato paste.
- Add 4-5 rinsed tomato paste cans of water to the paste.
- Add chopped onion, olive oil, chopped garlic, chopped parsley, and celery leaves.
- Stir in basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Cover the saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 2-3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering. If you don't have margarine, butter can be used as a substitute. Fresh garlic and parsley will enhance the taste, but dried versions work too. If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water added. This sauce can also be used in recipes like Pasta Fazul or with Colored Pasta for a vibrant meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs nicely with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Italian recipes like Basic Pizza Dough to create a fun pizza night or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gramma'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 189 calories, with 4g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2055mg per serving (89% 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 tomato paste?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You'll need to peel and chop them, and then cook them down until they reach a sauce-like consistency. This will take longer than using canned tomato paste, but it will provide a fresh flavor.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add heat to your sauce, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. You can also sauté sliced jalapeños with the onions for a fresh kick. Adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences.
Is this sauce suitable for vegans?
Yes, you can easily make this sauce vegan by replacing margarine with a plant-based butter alternative. Ensure that your tomato paste is also free from any animal products. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan spaghetti sauce without compromising on flavor.
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).