Description
This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce recipe offers a delicious, easy-to-make sauce using fresh tomatoes, herbs, and a natural gelling agent for a rich, hearty flavor and a perfectly balanced texture. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals, this versatile and wholesome sauce can be customized to suit any spice preference and serves as a warm, satisfying companion to your favorite pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Optional Variations
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for spiciness
- 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra veggies
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped for herbal infusion
- 1 tsp maple syrup (natural) to add a touch of sweetness
- 1/2 cup cooked lentils or plant-based mince for added protein
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the fresh tomatoes, chop the onions, and mince the garlic cloves. This preparation ensures smooth cooking and even flavor distribution throughout the sauce.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté briefly to release a fragrant aroma.
- Cook Tomatoes and Add Seasonings: Add the diced fresh tomatoes along with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Incorporate Fresh Herbs and Natural Gelling Agent: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and oregano. Sprinkle the natural gelling agent over the sauce and mix well to thicken it while keeping a luscious texture.
- Simmer and Adjust Flavors: Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or acidity according to your preference.
Notes
- Choose ripe tomatoes for the richest flavor and color.
- Simmer the sauce slowly on low heat to develop deeper, well-rounded flavors.
- Add fresh basil and oregano toward the end of cooking to preserve their bright herbal notes.
- Stir regularly during simmering to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or grape juice to loosen the consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sauces
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: homemade spaghetti sauce, fresh tomato sauce, Italian sauce, vegetarian sauce, easy pasta sauce, plant-based sauce