Spaghetti Sauce(Makes 10 To 12 Quarts)
Rich and savory spaghetti sauce with fresh tomato flavor, herbs, and a hint of sweetness, perfect for family dinners or any Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 bushel tomatoes made into juice ⓘ
- 4 or 5 green peppers grated in blender ⓘ
- 8 or 9 onions ⓘ
- 5 cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon basil ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 pint cooking oil ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- hot sauce or hot pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients in a large kettle.
- Boil moderately for 1 1/2 hours.
- Stir often so it won't scorch.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes before juicing them. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the mixture after cooking. Adjust the sugar to balance acidity, especially if using tart tomatoes. For a spicier kick, add extra hot sauce or fresh chili peppers. This sauce can be used for various Italian recipes, such as lasagna or pasta dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and top with grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad, like Italian Sweet Slaw. You can also use it as a base for dishes like lasagna or as a dipping sauce for garlic bread.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to six months. When reheating, do so slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a consistent texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Sauce(Makes 10 To 12 Quarts) contains roughly 1172 calories, with 31g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (263% of the Daily Value), iron (143% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1127mg per serving (49% 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 canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute canned tomatoes for fresh ones. Use around 28-32 ounces of canned tomatoes for every half bushel. Adjust the salt and sugar as needed since canned tomatoes might vary in taste.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
To thicken the sauce, simmer it uncovered for a longer period to allow excess water to evaporate. Alternatively, mix in a bit of tomato paste or cornstarch dissolved in water to achieve your desired consistency.
Is this sauce suitable for canning?
Yes, this sauce can be canned. Ensure to follow proper canning guidelines, including using sterilized jars and processing them in a water bath to ensure safety. Adjust acidity as needed with lemon juice or vinegar.
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).