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To make a simple and tasty homemade spaghetti sauce, you'll need these fresh ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients combine to create a rich and vibrant sauce. I love using fresh vegetables because they add great flavor and nutrients. The olive oil provides a smooth base, while the onion and garlic give a wonderful aroma. Carrots and zucchini add sweetness and texture. The crushed tomatoes serve as the heart of the sauce, making it hearty and comforting. Don't forget the herbs! Oregano and basil bring a classic Italian taste. The red pepper flakes can add a little kick, but you can skip them if you prefer a milder sauce. Balsamic vinegar adds a nice depth. Fresh basil leaves on top make it look beautiful and taste fresh. For the full recipe, follow the steps to create your own homemade spaghetti sauce. It's an easy and satisfying dish that will impress your family and friends! 1. Cooking the vegetables: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add one finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes. The onion should turn translucent. Then, mix in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for one more minute. The aroma will fill your kitchen! 2. Adding tomatoes and seasoning: Next, toss in 2 diced carrots, 1 diced zucchini, and 1 diced red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes until they soften. After that, pour in one 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Stir this mixture well. Now, season it with 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil, along with salt and pepper to taste. If you like it spicy, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. 3. Allowing the sauce to simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook it uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally. This helps the sauce thicken and develop flavor. 1. Incorporating balsamic vinegar: Just before serving, add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. This gives the sauce a nice sweetness and depth. Stir it in well. 2. Adjusting seasonings: Taste your sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you want more flavor, you can add a pinch more salt or herbs. This simple and tasty homemade spaghetti sauce pairs well with your favorite pasta. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section above. - Best practices for sautéing: Start by heating olive oil in your pan. Add onions first and let them sweat until soft. This brings out their sweet flavor. Then add garlic, but be careful not to burn it. Garlic cooks fast! - How to achieve the desired sauce thickness: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer. This allows extra water to evaporate. Stir it often to avoid sticking. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth. - Importance of fresh herbs: Fresh herbs make a big difference. They add bright flavors to your sauce. If you can, use fresh basil instead of dried. Add them at the end so they stay vibrant. - Ideal pasta pairings: Spaghetti is a classic choice for this sauce. You can also try it with penne or fettuccine. Each pasta shape holds the sauce in a unique way. - Garnishing options: Top your dish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds richness. You can also drizzle olive oil for extra flavor. - Suggested side dishes: Serve your spaghetti with a simple side salad. Garlic bread pairs well too. You might consider roasted vegetables for a healthy touch. {{image_2}} For your homemade spaghetti sauce, you can change things up with different veggies. Instead of carrots, try bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also add spinach or kale for more nutrients. When it comes to tomatoes, using fresh tomatoes is great if you have them. Just peel and chop them, then replace the canned ones. They add a bright flavor! Canned tomatoes are still an easy option. They are always ready when you need them. For herbs, consider using thyme or parsley instead of oregano or basil. Mixing and matching can create a unique taste for your sauce. This sauce works for many diets. For a vegetarian or vegan version, just skip the cheese topping. You can also add lentils for protein. They blend well into the sauce. If you need gluten-free options, serve the sauce over gluten-free pasta. Zucchini noodles, or "zoodles," are a fun choice too! You get a healthy meal without missing out on taste. To keep your leftover sauce fresh, use airtight containers. Glass jars work great. Plastic containers also work but may stain. Store the sauce in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. The sauce lasts for three months in the freezer. Make sure to leave space in the container for expansion when freezing. To reheat on the stovetop, pour the sauce into a pan. Heat it over medium-low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. It should take about 10 minutes to heat through. For a quick method, use the microwave. Transfer the sauce to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely to avoid splatters. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Enjoy your sauce hot! For the full recipe, check out the Savory Garden Medley Spaghetti Sauce. How long does homemade spaghetti sauce last? Homemade spaghetti sauce lasts about 5 to 7 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, freeze it. Frozen sauce can last up to 3 months. Always check for any off smells before using. Can I make homemade spaghetti sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the sauce a day or two before you need it. This allows the flavors to blend. Just store it in the fridge and heat it up when you're ready. It will taste even better after sitting! What can I add to spice up the sauce? To spice up your sauce, consider adding: - Extra red pepper flakes - A splash of red wine - Chopped olives or capers - Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme - A bit of sugar to balance acidity These additions can enhance the flavor and make it unique. How to make sauces using different tomatoes? You can use fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes, or even tomato puree. For fresh tomatoes, use about 2 pounds, chopped. For canned, crushed or diced tomatoes work well. You may need to adjust cooking time to let fresh tomatoes break down. What are some classic Italian sides to serve? Classic Italian sides include: - Garlic bread - Caprese salad - Antipasto platter - Roasted vegetables - Caesar salad These sides pair nicely with spaghetti sauce. Enjoy your meal! In this blog post, I covered how to make a delicious homemade spaghetti sauce. We listed the key ingredients, explained simple steps, and shared tips for the best results. You learned how to store and reheat leftovers, plus essential variations for your sauce. Making your own sauce is easy and fun. You can customize it to your taste. Enjoy your cooking and the tasty meals you create!

- Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Elevate your pasta game with this homemade spaghetti sauce recipe that's as simple as it is delicious! Using fresh ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and vibrant veggies, you'll create a rich sauce that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Perfect for your next pasta night, this easy recipe includes step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to make it your own. Click to explore the full recipe and start cooking!
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Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

1 zucchini, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

    Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.

      Stir in the minced garlic, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

        Toss in the diced carrots, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they soften slightly.

          Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste. Stir well to combine.

            Season the sauce with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

              Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the sauce to thicken up to your preference.

                Just before serving, add the balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor. Stir well.

                  Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the sauce over freshly cooked spaghetti and garnish with freshly torn basil leaves. Optionally, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4-6