130-Year-Old Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
A timeless 130-year-old Italian spaghetti sauce recipe that combines crushed tomatoes, sautéed onions, and garlic with classic herbs for a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for family dinners and gatherings. This easy-to-make sauce simmers gently to meld traditional Italian flavors and can be served over freshly cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, making sure it doesn’t burn to maintain its delicate flavor.
- Add Crushed Tomatoes: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the pot, stirring well to combine with the onions and garlic for a harmonious base.
- Season: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Stir to evenly distribute the herbs and seasonings throughout the sauce.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat. Let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally; this slow simmer will deepen the flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is thicker than desired, add a little water to reach your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
- Serve: Toss freshly cooked spaghetti with the sauce or spoon it generously on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the full flavor of this classic Italian sauce.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, use fresh herbs like garden-fresh basil instead of dried.
- Simmer the sauce longer if time allows to develop even richer flavors.
- Choose high-quality crushed tomatoes to ensure the best taste.
- Consider incorporating finely chopped carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally for best results.
Keywords: Italian spaghetti sauce, classic Italian sauce, homemade spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, easy Italian sauce, vegetarian spaghetti sauce
