Are you dreaming of a rich, vibrant spaghetti sauce that transports you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy? Look no further! This San Marzano spaghetti sauce recipe is your ticket to homemade deliciousness, a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights, and a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients. Forget jarred sauces; this easy recipe will have you creating a flavorful masterpiece in under an hour. Get ready to experience the depth and sweetness of San Marzano tomatoes like never before! This recipe is perfect for healthy meals and is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28-ounce) cans San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
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 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, sugar (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the saucepan. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or sugar depending on your preference.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your homemade San Marzano spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness and aroma. This sauce is also delicious on pizza, as a base for lasagna, or as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.
Cooking Tips for the Best San Marzano Sauce:
- Use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes: The flavor of this sauce truly hinges on the quality of the tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are known for their low acidity and sweet, meaty flavor.
- Don't rush the simmering process: Allowing the sauce to simmer for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to develop fully.
- Taste and adjust: Seasoning is key! Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust accordingly.
- Make it ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day! Make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Enhance the sauce with sautéed vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Add meat: Brown some ground beef, Italian sausage, or meatballs and add them to the sauce during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
- Herby delight: Experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a serving size of approximately 1 cup and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 5-10g
- Protein: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 2-4g
This simple yet incredibly flavorful San Marzano spaghetti sauce recipe is a must-try for any home cook. It's a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and best recipes, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Enjoy the delicious taste of Italy right in your own kitchen!