Tired of the same old spaghetti sauce? Craving a flavor explosion that's both simple and satisfying? Then get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this incredibly flavorful roasted spaghetti sauce! This recipe takes your classic tomato sauce to a whole new level with just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients. It's a perfect example of how homemade cooking can be quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. This recipe provides a healthy meal option, perfect for a quick dinner, and showcases the best of easy recipes.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Roast the Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the halved tomatoes, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery with olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
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Roasting Time: Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and slightly caramelized. Stir halfway through to ensure even roasting. The edges of the vegetables should be slightly browned for optimal flavor.
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Blend the Sauce: Once roasted, transfer the vegetables to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
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Simmer & Serve: Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Garnish & Enjoy: Serve your roasted spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, topped with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finish. This delicious sauce is also fantastic on pizza, as a base for lasagna, or as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Tomato Selection: Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. Roma tomatoes or heirloom varieties work especially well.
- Roasting Time: Keep an eye on your vegetables while they roast. Over-roasting can lead to bitterness, while under-roasting will result in a less intense flavor.
- Blending Consistency: Adjust the blending time to achieve your preferred texture. For a chunky sauce, pulse the blender a few times instead of blending continuously.
- Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the process. You may want to add more herbs, salt, pepper, or sugar depending on your preference and the sweetness of your tomatoes.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the roasting vegetables for a touch of heat.
- Hearty Sauce: Add a cup of cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms to the roasting pan for a more substantial sauce.
- Herby Delight: Experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size. However, a typical serving provides a good source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. This recipe is relatively low in fat and calories, making it a healthy meal option. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific ingredients and quantities used.
This roasted spaghetti sauce recipe is a testament to the magic of simple, homemade cooking. It's a quick dinner idea that delivers an incredible depth of flavor, showcasing delicious dishes with minimal effort. Enjoy!