Tired of bland tomato sauces? Craving a burst of flavor that'll elevate your pasta night? Then get ready to spice up your life (and your dinner!) with this incredibly easy and delicious spicy tomato sauce recipe. This homemade sauce is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick dinner solution without sacrificing taste or quality. It's bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and a kick that will leave you wanting more. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste!)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 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 minced garlic and chopped onion (and bell pepper, if using) and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Don't rush this step; allowing the vegetables to soften properly develops their flavor.
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Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using) to the saucepan. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. Aim for at least an hour for the best results!
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Adjust and Serve: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more red pepper flakes for extra heat, salt for extra savoriness, or sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Once you're happy with the flavor, remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Spicy Tomato Sauce:
- Fresh is Best: While canned tomatoes are convenient, using fresh, ripe tomatoes will significantly elevate the flavor of your sauce. If using fresh tomatoes, you'll need to peel and chop them before adding them to the saucepan.
- Don't Burn the Garlic: Keep a close eye on the garlic while sautéing to prevent it from burning. Burnt garlic will impart a bitter taste to your sauce.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Low and slow simmering allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a much tastier sauce.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Variations:
- Meat Lovers' Sauce: Brown some ground beef or Italian sausage before adding the other ingredients for a heartier sauce.
- Vegetarian Delight: Add in some chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for extra vegetables.
- Creamy Spicy Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamier texture.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance the spice with a touch of sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used and serving size. A typical serving of this recipe contains approximately:
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 3-5g
- Fat: 7-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This spicy tomato sauce is incredibly versatile. Use it as a pasta sauce, pizza topping, or even as a base for other dishes. Enjoy!