Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your pasta nights forever! Jo Mama's Spaghetti Sauce is not just another tomato sauce - it's a flavor-packed, soul-warming recipe that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With a perfect balance of herbs, a touch of sweetness, and a cooking method that develops deep, rich flavors, this sauce is about to become your new go-to recipe for an unforgettable Italian-inspired meal.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. The pan should be large enough to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.
- Add chopped onions to the heated oil and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, being careful not to brown the garlic as it can become bitter.
- Pour the entire can of crushed tomatoes into the pan, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Sprinkle in dried basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Reduce heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Let the sauce cook for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to develop rich, deep flavors.
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in fresh chopped parsley for added brightness and herbal notes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to suit your preference.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce rest for 5-10 minutes before serving over your favorite pasta.
Tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Take your time when sautéing onions and garlic - this builds a flavor foundation for the entire sauce.
- Be careful not to brown the garlic, as it can quickly turn bitter and ruin the sauce's delicate flavor profile.
- The secret to this sauce is the long, slow simmer. Patience is key to developing those deep, complex flavors.
- Use fresh parsley if possible - it adds a bright, fresh note to the finished sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasonings at the end. Everyone's palate is different, so don't be afraid to tweak the salt, pepper, or sugar.
- Let the sauce rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- This sauce freezes beautifully, so make a double batch and save some for later!
- For an extra luxurious touch, finish the sauce with a pat of butter or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
