Looking for a quick and satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor? Dive into our "Easy Spaghetti Sauce" recipe, perfect for a delightful Meatless Monday! This Italian classic comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you'll have a rich and hearty sauce that pairs beautifully with al dente spaghetti. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that not only tastes amazing but also celebrates the art of plant-based cooking. Let’s get started on this mouthwatering journey!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spaghetti pasta
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop. This will make the cooking process smoother and more organized.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers but does not smoke.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. The garlic should become fragrant.
- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir the mixture well to combine the tomatoes with the sautéed onion and garlic.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to the sauce. Stir to incorporate the herbs evenly throughout the mixture.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference. Remember that you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as this will wash away the starch that helps the sauce adhere.
- After the sauce has simmered for 20 minutes, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it is evenly coated. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
- Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the spaghetti sauce immediately, garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious and easy meatless spaghetti sauce!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To streamline your cooking process, chop your onions and mince the garlic ahead of time. This will save you precious minutes when you're ready to cook.
- Sautéing Secrets: Make sure to sauté the onions until they are translucent and slightly golden. This step is crucial as it builds the foundation of flavor for your sauce.
- Garlic Timing: Be careful not to overcook the garlic; it should only be added for a minute or two to avoid bitterness. The aroma should be your cue that it’s time to move on to the next step!
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the sauce to simmer for a full 20 minutes. This is where the magic happens, as the flavors meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking.
- Perfect Pasta: When cooking the spaghetti, remember to salt the water generously. This is your chance to season the pasta itself, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Starch is Key: Don’t rinse your pasta after draining! The starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- Adjust to Taste: Always taste your sauce before serving. Feel free to adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or even a splash of red wine for depth.
- Garnish for Greatness: Elevate your dish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving. It adds a beautiful touch and enhances the dish's visual appeal.Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite of this delicious meatless spaghetti sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
