130-Year-Old Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
This classic 130-year-old Italian spaghetti sauce recipe combines crushed tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and sautéed garlic and onions to create a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for any pasta dish. Simmered slowly to meld the flavors, it’s an authentic and timeless Italian staple.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Sauce Base
- 4 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather and prepare all ingredients by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic cloves.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Sauté Onions: Add the diced onions to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and soft, releasing their sweetness.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, making sure it doesn’t burn to avoid bitterness.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the onions and garlic evenly.
- Season the Sauce: Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to let the flavors develop.
- Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water to achieve your desired texture. Taste and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
- Serve: Toss freshly cooked spaghetti with the sauce or spoon the sauce over the pasta and enjoy your authentic Italian meal.
Notes
- The optional sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes but can be omitted for a more natural tomato flavor.
- Simmering the sauce slowly enhances the flavors critically important for a rich depth.
- This sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
- Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust herb quantities to suit personal taste preferences.
