Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

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### **Instructions for Making Homemade Spaghetti Sauce**

1. **Heat Olive Oil**:
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

2. **Add Garlic**:
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

3. **Deglaze with Red Wine (Optional)**:
If you’re using red wine, pour it into the pan to deglaze, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol, which will leave behind a rich flavor.

4. **Add Tomato Products**:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Mix everything together, ensuring the tomato paste dissolves completely into the sauce.

5. **Season the Sauce**:
Add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine, and then taste the sauce. Add salt, pepper, and sugar to balance the flavors. The sugar can help cut down on the acidity of the tomatoes, but it’s optional depending on your taste.

6. **Simmer**:
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-45 minutes, uncovered. Stir occasionally and let the flavors meld together. If you have the time, simmering for longer (up to 1-2 hours) will deepen the flavor even further. The sauce should thicken up as it simmers.

7. **Blend (Optional)**:
For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the pan, or carefully transfer it to a blender. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, feel free to skip this step.

8. **Serve**:
Once your sauce has reached your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat. Serve it immediately over your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of deliciousness.

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### **Optional Add-ins and Variations**

This homemade spaghetti sauce is highly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences:

– **Meat Sauce**: Brown ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage in the pan with the onions and garlic for a hearty meat sauce. You can also add cooked meatballs for a more filling dish.
– **Vegetarian Version**: Add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
– **Spicy Sauce**: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced fresh chili pepper for an extra kick.
– **Herb Variations**: Fresh basil, thyme, and rosemary can also be added for a fragrant twist. If using fresh herbs, add them towards the end of the cooking process to preserve their flavor.

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### **How to Store Homemade Spaghetti Sauce**

Homemade spaghetti sauce can be made in bulk and stored for future use. Here are a few storage tips:

– **In the Fridge**: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
– **In the Freezer**: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Be sure to leave some space in the container for the sauce to expand as it freezes.

When you’re ready to use the frozen sauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or reheat it directly on the stovetop.

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### **The Bottom Line**

Homemade spaghetti sauce is one of those classic recipes that every cook should have in their arsenal. It’s simple, satisfying, and customizable to fit your tastes. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just enjoying a quiet night at home, there’s something about a bowl of pasta with a hearty, homemade sauce that makes everything feel right.

Once you make your own spaghetti sauce from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade spaghetti sauce in your next pasta dish!