How to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

canned tomatoes

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: crushed tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes can enhance flavor, while crushed tomatoes are often less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil offers health benefits, while vegetable oil is more budget-friendly.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey can add a unique flavor, while brown sugar is a cost-effective sweetener.

dried oregano

🥗Healthier: fresh oregano

💰Cheaper: Italian seasoning

Fresh oregano provides vibrant flavor, while Italian seasoning is often cheaper.

Heat a large pot over medium high heat.

Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and let it heat for a minute.

Add 1 white diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions start to soften, stirring occasionally.

Add 5 cloves of crushed garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth (or white wine).

Add 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 15 ounces of tomato sauce, and 6 ounces of tomato paste.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of white sugar, 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

Add 1/2 cup of fresh basil and 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, stirring to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours) to develop flavor.

After simmering, turn off the heat and use an immersion blender to puree the sauce to your desired consistency.

If you don't have an immersion blender, transfer the sauce to a blender, venting the top to avoid pressure buildup.

Once blended to your liking, the sauce is done and can be used immediately, canned, or frozen in gallon-sized ziplock bags.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary