- **Tomato Sauce**: Fresh or canned tomatoes are essential for creating a flavorful base.
- **Garlic Cloves**: Minced garlic adds depth and richness to the sauce, making it more delicious (keyword: garlic).
- **Olive Oil**: This provides a healthy fat and enhances the overall taste of the dish (keyword: olive oil).
- **Onion**: Finely chopped onions contribute to the sauce's aroma and flavor.
- **Herbs & Spices**:
- **Fresh Basil Leaves**: Great for adding a fresh, herbaceous note.
- **Oregano**: Essential in Italian cuisine; provides a unique earthy taste (keyword: oregano).
- **Salt**: Adjusts the overall seasoning of the sauce (keyword: salt).
- **Pepper**: Adds heat and enhances other flavors (keyword: pepper).
- **Sugar** (optional): A small amount can balance out acidity in the tomatoes.
- **Red Wine** (optional): Enhances complexity; use if available for a richer flavor.
- **Ground Beef or Italian Sausage** (optional): For a meatier sauce, these ingredients provide protein and additional flavors.
Make sure to adjust quantities according to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy creating your delicious spaghetti sauce!
Steps
### Basic Spaghetti Sauce Pasta Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a delicious spaghetti sauce pasta is easier than you might think! Follow this step-by-step guide to make a classic Italian dish that's both comforting and satisfying. This recipe focuses on simplicity, ensuring your meal turns out perfectly every time.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) of spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
#### Equipment:
- Large pot
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Serving dish
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### Step-by-Step Instructions:
#### 1. **Prepare the Pasta:**
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.
- Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water for extra flavor.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente (typically about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain in a colander, reserving some pasta water.
#### 2. **Make the Sauce:**
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions for about 5 minutes or until they become translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
#### 3. **Simmer the Sauce:**
- Let the sauce reduce and thicken over low heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- This slow cooking allows flavors to meld together, resulting in a richer taste.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
#### 4. **Combine Pasta and Sauce:**
- Once the pasta is cooked, add it directly into the saucepan with the sauce. Toss everything together over low heat until the pasta is well coated.
- If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little bit of reserved pasta water.
#### 5. **Serve and Garnish:**
- Transfer the spaghetti to a serving dish.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added color and flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot alongside some grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
#### Tips:
- For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the cooking process of the sauce.
- To make this dish even heartier, consider adding cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce before combining with the pasta.
By following these steps, you'll be able to create a delicious spaghetti sauce that's perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. Enjoy your meal!