- Tomatoes: Fresh or canned, whole or crushed, for a rich flavor base
- Onion: Finely chopped for added sweetness and depth of flavor
- Garlic: Minced or thinly sliced to release intense aromas
- Italian herbs: Oregano and basil for authentic Mediterranean taste
- Basil leaves: Freshly torn for a burst of freshness
- Bay leaf: A single leaf for enhancing overall sauce flavor
- Olive oil: High-quality extra-virgin for a robust, flavorful base
- Salt: Kosher or sea salt to season the sauce properly
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a hint of heat and spice
- Sugar: A pinch to balance acidity from tomatoes
- Meat: Ground beef, pork, or Italian sausage for added thickness and flavor
- Marinara paste (optional): To deepen color and intensity
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped for garnish and extra freshness
Include these ingredients in your recipe to create a delicious, chunky Italian spaghetti sauce that is both SEO-friendly and appealing to home cooks.
Steps
### How to Make Chunky Italian Spaghetti Sauce: A Delicious Guide
Creating a chunky Italian spaghetti sauce is not just about following a recipe; it's an art that combines flavors and textures into one of the most beloved Italian dishes. Here’s how you can make a rich, flavorful, and chunky Italian spaghetti sauce from scratch.
#### Ingredients for Chunky Italian Spaghetti Sauce
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk of celery, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 40 oz (about 1.1 kg) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs fresh basil
- Optional: 1 cup red wine, 1 teaspoon sugar
#### Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Sauce
##### Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by finely chopping your onion, mincing garlic, and dicing carrots and celery. This will ensure that all ingredients cook evenly.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and become translucent.
**SEO Keyword**: Medium heat cooking
##### Step 3: Add Tomato Paste
Next, add the crushed tomatoes (you can use a food mill or blender to remove seeds if you prefer a smoother sauce). Stir in tomato paste, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and fresh basil. Allow the mixture to simmer gently.
**SEO Keyword**: Crushed tomatoes
##### Step 4: Optional Additions
For a deeper flavor, you may want to add red wine (let it cook down for about 5 minutes) or a pinch of sugar to balance any acidity in the sauce.
**SEO Keyword**: Red wine cooking
##### Step 5: Simmer and Thicken
Let the sauce simmer on low heat for at least an hour. As the sauce cooks, it will thicken and intensify in flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
**SEO Keyword**: Low heat simmering
##### Step 6: Strain the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any large pieces of vegetables or herbs.
**SEO Keyword**: Fine-mesh sieve
##### Step 7: Serve
Serve your chunky Italian spaghetti sauce over al dente spaghetti. You can also use it as a base for other dishes like meatballs or lasagna.
**SEO Keyword**: Al dente spaghetti
By following these detailed steps, you’ll be able to create a rich, flavorful, and authentic chunky Italian spaghetti sauce that will elevate any pasta dish! Enjoy your cooking journey!
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**Note:** This recipe can be scaled up or down depending on your needs. For SEO optimization, incorporating keywords related to the key ingredients and techniques used in the process is essential for attracting more visitors interested in making this classic Italian dish.