Tired of the same old spaghetti sauce? Craving something with a kick? Then get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this incredibly delicious and easy spicy spaghetti sauce recipe! This homemade recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more elaborate weekend meal. It's bursting with flavor, combining the classic comfort of spaghetti sauce with a fiery, irresistible spice that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is easily adaptable to your spice preference, making it perfect for both spice novices and seasoned chili heads!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup water
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender. This step builds a rich flavor base for your sauce.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper (if using), sugar, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld. Stir occasionally.
Step 3: Adjust Consistency
After simmering, stir in the ½ cup of water. This helps to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your spicy spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of deliciousness. This healthy meal is perfect for a quick dinner.
Cooking Tips for the Best Spicy Spaghetti Sauce:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to your liking. Start with less and add more gradually until you reach your desired level of spiciness. Remember, the heat builds over time!
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh oregano and basil on hand, use about 1 tablespoon of each, finely chopped, for an even more vibrant flavor.
- Slow and Low: Simmering the sauce on low heat allows the flavors to develop fully and prevents burning. Patience is key!
- Make it Ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for longer storage.
Variations:
- Meat Lovers: Brown some ground beef, Italian sausage, or meatballs before adding the other ingredients for a heartier sauce.
- Vegetarian: Add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas for extra protein and texture.
- Creamy Spicy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a creamy, spicy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 5-7g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fiber: 3-4g
This easy recipe for spicy spaghetti sauce is a delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will love. It's a perfect example of how homemade cooking can be both quick and incredibly flavorful, turning a simple weeknight dinner into a delicious and memorable experience. Enjoy!