Healthy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Healthy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is a delightful dish that brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen. It’s not only delicious but also packed with fresh ingredients that contribute to a nutritious meal. Whether you are serving it on top of gluten-free pasta or your favorite noodles, this sauce will impress your family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own spaghetti sauce allows you to control the ingredients and flavors. Store-bought sauces can contain preservatives and excess sugar, but with this recipe, you use fresh vegetables and herbs. It’s healthier, tastier, and you can adjust the flavors to your liking. Plus, it’s easy to prepare!
How to Make Healthy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients
- 6 cloves garlic
- 2 shallots (or 1 small onion)
- 12 roma tomatoes (or San Marzano tomatoes)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (or 2 Tbsp. dried basil)
- 1 tsp. thyme (or 1/2 tsp. dried thyme)
- 1 tsp. oregano (or 1/2 tsp. dried oregano)
- 2 tsp. sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp. pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 package gluten-free pasta noodles (or regular noodles if not gluten-free)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions and drain. Set aside.
- Blanch the Tomatoes: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Score the bottom of each tomato with a small "X." Drop the tomatoes into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. Once cool, peel the skins off.
- Prepare the Spaghetti Sauce: In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped shallots (or onion) and sauté until they are soft. Then, chop the blanched tomatoes and add them to the pan along with the canned tomato sauce. Stir in the basil, thyme, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter for richness.
How to Serve Healthy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Serve this delicious sauce over your prepared pasta. You can sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Pair it with a salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!
How to Store Healthy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
If you have leftovers, let the sauce cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Healthy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
- For a smoother sauce, use a blender to puree it after cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Use fresh herbs when possible for maximum flavor.
Variation
You can customize this sauce by adding protein, such as ground turkey or beef, to make it heartier. If you love spice, try adding red pepper flakes for a kick!
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of tomatoes for this sauce?
Yes! You can use any type of tomatoes you prefer, but roma or San Marzano tomatoes provide a rich flavor.
2. Is this sauce vegan?
Yes, this spaghetti sauce is vegan if you omit the Parmesan cheese and butter or substitute them with dairy-free alternatives.
3. How can I make this sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste for extra thickness.
With this simple recipe, you’ll have a hearty and wholesome spaghetti sauce ready for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking!
