Italian Sauce
A rich, flavorful Italian tomato sauce with aromatic spices, perfect for serving over pasta or adding meatballs for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a pot.
- Simmer for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Optional: make meatballs from hamburger, onion, and garlic, then add to the sauce to simmer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using crushed San Marzano tomatoes instead of regular canned tomatoes. If you're out of oregano, Italian seasoning can be a good substitute. Adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste; they can add a unique warmth to the sauce. To save time, you could use pre-chopped onions and garlic. This sauce can also be used as a base for Diabetic Spaghetti Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian sauce is perfect over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine. For a hearty meal, serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad. You can also use it as a base for homemade pizza, giving it a delightful depth of flavor similar to Basic Pizza Sauce. For added protein, consider adding meatballs made from hamburger, onion, and garlic.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portioned freezer bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Sauce contains roughly 433 calories, with 14g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (216% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (173% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (156% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 782mg per serving (34% 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! You'll need about 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and chop them before adding to the sauce. Fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to break down and develop flavor.
How can I make this sauce spicy?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers to the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your spice preference. The additional heat will balance well with the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! The sauce is naturally vegan-friendly since it contains only plant-based ingredients. You can enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, during the simmering process for a heartier vegan dish.
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).