Spaghetti Sauce(Makes 6 To 7 Quarts)
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce made with fresh tomatoes, vegetables, herbs, and spices, perfect for family dinners and gatherings craving rich Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 bushel tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 small zucchini ⓘ
- 3 lb. onions ⓘ
- 1 pt. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 8 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 hot peppers ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. chopped mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 tsp. fennel ⓘ
- 1/2 c. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. celery salt
- 1 Tbsp. sweet basil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. parsley ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 c. sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Grind peppers and onions.
- Cook the ground peppers and onions in vegetable oil for 30 minutes.
- Put the cooked mixture through a sieve.
- Add the sieved mixture to tomato juice.
- Add remaining ingredients: tomatoes, zucchini, tomato paste, green pepper, mushrooms, fennel, salt, celery salt, sweet basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, and sugar.
- Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the hot sauce into sterilized jars and seal.
- Process the jars in a pressure canner for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the sauce. If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, substitute with canned tomatoes for convenience. Adjust the heat level by varying the number of hot peppers or using milder varieties. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought tomato paste as a base, and add your favorite herbs. This sauce is versatile and can be used in various Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This spaghetti sauce is perfect for a family dinner and pairs beautifully with Basil Bread Sticks. Serve it over your favorite pasta, or use it as a base for lasagna or stuffed peppers. Complement the dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. The sauce also works well with grilled vegetables or as a dipping sauce for 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 several months. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For a quick meal, serve it over freshly cooked pasta or use it as a base for other dishes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Sauce(Makes 6 To 7 Quarts) contains roughly 109 calories, with 5g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 different vegetables in this sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. Just be sure to chop them finely and adjust cooking times accordingly. This flexibility allows you to customize the sauce to your taste, making it a great option for using up any leftover veggies.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If your sauce turns out too thin, simmer it uncovered on low heat for a longer period to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, you can stir in a small amount of tomato paste or cornstarch mixed with water to achieve the desired thickness without compromising flavor.
Is this sauce suitable for canning?
Yes, this sauce can be safely canned using a pressure canner, as specified in the recipe. Ensure you follow proper canning procedures to avoid spoilage. Always sterilize your jars and check for seals after processing to ensure your sauce stays fresh and delicious for months.
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).