My Favorite Spaghetti Sauce
A flavorful and hearty spaghetti sauce with fresh herbs and tomatoes, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering rich Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, and parsley. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
- In a blender, place tomatoes and cover.
- Blend on high speed until chopped, about 30 seconds.
- Add blended tomatoes to the onion mixture.
- Stir in tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, salt, oregano, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried ones. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can substitute honey for sugar. Adding a splash of red wine during simmering can enhance depth. If you're short on time, using canned diced tomatoes can save you the blending step, while still providing a great texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. It pairs beautifully with Italian Bread With Tomato Appetizers for a complete meal. For a well-rounded dinner, consider a side salad or garlic bread. This sauce is also excellent for topping baked dishes like lasagna.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the spaghetti sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water to maintain the sauce's consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Favorite Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 392 calories, with 16g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (131% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value). At about 392 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This spaghetti sauce tastes even better after a day in the fridge as the flavors meld. Simply prepare it ahead of time, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. Reheat before serving for a quick meal.
Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Yes, this spaghetti sauce freezes well. Transfer the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Can I add meat to this sauce?
Certainly! Ground beef, turkey, or sausage can be added for a heartier sauce. Cook the meat separately until browned, then incorporate it into the onion mixture before adding the tomatoes. This will enrich the flavor and make it more filling.
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).