Description
A rich and flavorful Homemade Spaghetti Sauce bursting with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and a natural gelling agent for perfect texture. This versatile and easy-to-make sauce is ideal for cozy pasta nights or large dinners, combining wholesome, fresh ingredients with a touch of smoky depth from smoked turkey bacon, adaptable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups ripe plum tomatoes or 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes (natural)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large carrot, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons grape juice (natural)
Optional Ingredients
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- 1/2 cup finely chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms
- 1/2 cup finely chopped zucchini
- Fresh rosemary or thyme, as desired
- Plant-based Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Your Aromatics: Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add finely chopped onions and carrots, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and naturally sweet. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the Smoked Turkey Bacon (Optional): If using, add chopped smoked turkey bacon to the pan and cook until it crisps slightly, releasing smoky flavor into the sauce.
- Incorporate Fresh Tomatoes and Herbs: Pour in crushed tomatoes or roughly chopped fresh plum tomatoes. Stir in chopped basil, oregano, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and grape juice. Mix well to combine flavors.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally. Gradually sprinkle in the natural gelling agent, mixing carefully to thicken the sauce smoothly. Continue simmering for 30 to 40 minutes until flavors meld and the texture is luscious.
- Season to Perfection: Taste the sauce and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and adjust herbs or sweetness if needed. Remove the sauce from heat once satisfied with the flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, quality ingredients to ensure the brightest flavor.
- Simmer the sauce slowly to enhance depth and reduce acidity.
- Taste frequently during cooking to balance seasoning perfectly.
- Add herbs at different stages for layered flavor: early for background, fresh at the end for brightness.
- Add the natural gelling agent gradually to avoid clumping and achieve the perfect thickness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: homemade spaghetti sauce, fresh tomato sauce, natural gelling, versatile pasta sauce, plant-based spaghetti sauce
