Spaghetti sauce, also known as marinara or tomato sauce, is a beloved staple in many households. But have you ever wondered what exactly it’s made of? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients that go into making this delicious sauce.
Tomatoes
The star ingredient of spaghetti sauce is, of course, tomatoes. Fresh or canned tomatoes can be used to make spaghetti sauce.
Canned tomatoes are often preferred because they are more consistent in quality and flavor year-round. San Marzano tomatoes are commonly used for their sweet flavor and low acidity.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are often added to spaghetti sauce to provide a savory base and depth of flavor. They can be diced or minced and sautéed in olive oil before adding the tomatoes.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a healthy fat that is commonly used in Italian cooking. It’s often used to sauté onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes.
Herbs and Spices
A variety of herbs and spices can be added to spaghetti sauce for additional flavor. Commonly used herbs include oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, and bay leaves. Red pepper flakes or black pepper can also be added for a bit of heat.
Salt and Sugar
Salt is essential for bringing out the flavors in the other ingredients in spaghetti sauce. Some recipes may also call for sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Cooking Methods
There are several methods for making spaghetti sauce. Some recipes call for simmering all the ingredients together on the stove for several hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Other recipes call for roasting fresh tomatoes with garlic and onion before blending them together with herbs and spices.
- Simmering method:
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Roasting method:
- Cut fresh tomatoes in half and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- Add sliced garlic and onion to the baking sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes, garlic, and onion. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the oven at 375°F for 45 minutes to an hour.
- Blend the roasted tomatoes, garlic, and onion with herbs and spices in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add water or broth to thin out the sauce if needed.
In Conclusion
Spaghetti sauce is made with just a handful of ingredients, but it’s the combination of those ingredients that make it so delicious. Tomatoes are the star of the show, but onions, garlic, olive oil, herbs, spices, salt, and sugar all play important supporting roles. Whether you prefer your spaghetti sauce simmered on the stove or roasted in the oven, there’s no denying that homemade spaghetti sauce is worth the effort.