Name: Homemade Spaghetti Sauce : Classic, Healthy & Full of Flavor
Ingredients: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or neutral oil/butter); 1 medium onion, finely diced (or 2 shallots); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 28 oz can crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste); ¼ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste); Pinch red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tsp sugar or 2 tbsp grated carrot (optional, for acidity balance); Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish); ½ lb Italian sausage or ground beef (“Sunday Gravy” style); ¼ cup cooked lentils for vegan richness; 1 jar roasted red peppers, blended; ½ cup heavy cream + 2 tbsp vodka (creamy vodka sauce); 2 tbsp capers + ½ cup chopped olives + anchovy fillets (puttanesca-style)

Description

A cozy, flavor-packed, from-scratch sauce that turns any pasta night into a celebration. Versatile, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or neutral oil/butter)
1 medium onion, finely diced (or 2 shallots)
4 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp sugar or 2 tbsp grated carrot (optional, for acidity balance)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Optional Variations:

½ lb Italian sausage or ground beef (“Sunday Gravy” style)
¼ cup cooked lentils for vegan richness
1 jar roasted red peppers, blended
½ cup heavy cream + 2 tbsp vodka (creamy vodka sauce)
2 tbsp capers + ½ cup chopped olives + anchovy fillets (puttanesca-style)

Instructions

Build the Flavor Base
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and a pinch of salt; sauté 4–5 mins until soft and translucent.
Wake Up the Aromatics
- Push onions aside; add garlic to the empty space and cook 30 sec–1 min. Stir immediately with onions to prevent burning.
Cook the Tomato Paste
- Add tomato paste to the pan; cook 1–2 mins until it darkens to a rusty red. This deepens flavor and removes raw taste.
Add Tomatoes & Seasonings
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and a splash of water from the can to capture all the tomato goodness.
- Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
Simmer & Develop Flavor
- Bring to a gentle bubble, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered 25–60 mins, stirring occasionally.
Taste & Balance
- Taste the sauce; adjust salt, pepper, or add sugar/grated carrot if too acidic. Simmer 5 more minutes if adjusted. Optional: blend with an immersion blender for a smooth texture.
Finish with Fresh Herbs
- Stir in chopped fresh basil or parsley off the heat for aroma and color.

Notes

Meaty Sunday Gravy: Brown sausage or beef before onions; add back with tomatoes.
Vegan/Protein Boost: Stir in lentils while simmering.
Smoky Roasted Red Pepper: Blend peppers with sauce for a colorful twist.
Creamy Vodka: Stir in cream + vodka at the end, simmer 5 mins.
Bold Puttanesca: Add capers, olives, anchovies in the last 10 mins.