Tired of the same old tomato spaghetti sauce? Craving something a little different, something perhaps… sweeter? Then you've come to the right place! This sweet spaghetti sauce recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic, transforming a familiar favorite into a truly memorable dish. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This healthy meal is also a fantastic quick dinner idea for homemade cooking enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
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Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the saucepan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
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Taste and Adjust: After 30 minutes, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more brown sugar for extra sweetness, balsamic vinegar for tanginess, or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the sweet spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Sweet Spaghetti Sauce:
- Don't rush the simmering process! Allowing the sauce to simmer for at least 30 minutes develops the flavors and creates a richer, more complex taste.
- Use quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the sauce will taste. Look for flavorful crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Taste and adjust as you go. Every stove and every batch of ingredients is slightly different, so don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Make it ahead of time! This sauce tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Variations:
- Spicy Sweet Sauce: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Meat Lovers' Sweet Sauce: Brown 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage before adding the vegetables for a heartier sauce.
- Vegetarian Sweet Sauce: Add a cup of chopped mushrooms or zucchini along with the bell pepper for extra vegetables.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It’s always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values based on your exact ingredients and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
This sweet spaghetti sauce recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and delicious dishes. It's a versatile sauce that can be used in countless ways, making it a true staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!