Tomato Sauce For Spaghetti And Lasagna
A rich, hearty tomato sauce featuring mushrooms and herbs, perfect for spaghetti and lasagna, offering a flavorful base for various Italian-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large kettle over medium-high heat, cook chopped onions and garlic in hot salad oil until onions are limp.
- Discard garlic.
- Add remaining ingredients to the kettle.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer in a covered pot for 2 hours.
- Discard bay leaves.
- Freeze in one pint freezer containers.
- Optional: Add ground beef to make spaghetti sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the mushrooms with the onions and garlic. You can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned ones, but make sure to peel and seed them first. If you're short on time, even pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch. To reduce acidity, adjust sugar to taste; a splash of balsamic vinegar can also enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty tomato sauce over spaghetti or use it in lasagna for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a Typical Italian Salad for a fresh contrast. For a vegetarian option, consider adding roasted vegetables or serving alongside a Vegetable And Pasta Toss. Garnish with fresh basil or grated cheese for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Cool the sauce 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, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help if the sauce is too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Sauce For Spaghetti And Lasagna contains roughly 1467 calories, with 14g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 128g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (171% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (149% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 canned for this sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You'll need about 12-15 medium tomatoes. Blanch them to remove the skins, and make sure to seed them before adding to the sauce. This will give you a fresher taste but may require some adjustments to the cooking time and seasoning.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also stir in some hot sauce or crushed red pepper at the end of cooking for an extra kick, adjusting to your taste preference.
What can I substitute for the sugar if I'm looking for a healthier option?
If you're looking to reduce sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener. Alternatively, add finely grated carrots to the sauce; they provide sweetness and additional nutrients without altering the flavor significantly.
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).