Mom Messore Spaghetti Sauce(New York State Fair Winner)
A hearty and flavorful spaghetti sauce with rich tomato taste, aromatic herbs, and a hint of garlic and onion, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 large diced onion ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can water ⓘ
- large pinch of garlic powder ⓘ
- large pinch of oregano ⓘ
- large pinch of sugar ⓘ
- large pinch of parsley ⓘ
- large pinch of basil ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry garlic cloves in olive oil with diced onion.
- In a large kettle, combine the tomato paste, tomato sauce, whole tomatoes, water, and all spices.
- Simmer the sauce with meatballs until flavors meld and sauce thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try roasting the garlic before adding it to the oil. You can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned ones if they're in season; use about 2 pounds and peel them before cooking. If you're short on time, consider using pre-made tomato sauce instead of a mix of canned products. Adjust the spice levels to your preference, especially if you enjoy a bit more heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious spaghetti sauce over al dente pasta for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Focaccia (Italian Flat Bread) or a fresh Tomato Salad(Insalata Di Pomodori) for a complete dining experience. For a heartier option, consider adding meatballs or sausage to the sauce. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency. This sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom Messore Spaghetti Sauce(New York State Fair Winner) contains roughly 347 calories, with 8g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (66% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2102mg per serving (91% 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 spaghetti sauce vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit any meatballs or meat additions. The sauce itself is already vegetarian-friendly. You can enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, while sautéing the onions and garlic.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
If you find the sauce too sweet, reduce the amount of sugar or omit it entirely. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors. Taste as you go, and adjust the seasonings to get the perfect blend for your palate.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
While traditional spaghetti is always a great choice, this sauce also pairs well with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even zoodles for a low-carb option. Choose a pasta that can hold the sauce well for the best experience.
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).