Omi'S Spaghetti Sauce
Omi's Spaghetti Sauce is a quick, hearty tomato-based sauce with a rich onion and flour roux, perfect for serving over rigatoni or large macaroni shells, ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in margarine until translucent.
- Add flour to the onion mixture and cook to make a paste.
- Add water and tomato paste to the paste, stirring constantly.
- Add additional water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve over rigatoni or large macaroni shells.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or Italian herbs like basil or oregano to the sauce. If you're out of margarine, butter or olive oil can work as substitutes. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or incorporate a bit of grated cheese or crushed tomatoes. This sauce can be easily adapted for a vegan version by using plant-based margarine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over rigatoni or large macaroni shells for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of Italian Homemade Spaghetti Sauce for a complete Italian feast. Consider adding a fresh salad or garlic bread for extra flavor. For a twist, try it with sautéed broccoli rabe for a delicious combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Omi'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 284 calories, with 4g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% 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 about 2-3 medium-sized tomatoes, peeled and diced. Cook them down until they break apart and form a sauce-like consistency before adding water. This will give your sauce a fresh flavor.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, you can incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. This will give your sauce a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
What pasta types work best with this sauce?
While rigatoni and large macaroni shells are recommended, this sauce pairs well with any pasta shape. Consider using spaghetti, linguine, or even gluten-free options. Each shape will hold the sauce differently, so choose based on your preference for texture.
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).