Spaghetti is a classic dish that appeals to people of all ages. Whether you are a busy parent, a college student, or a working professional, having a quick and easy spaghetti sauce recipe in your arsenal is a must. That’s where DIY semi-homemade spaghetti sauce comes in. By using a few store-bought ingredients and adding your personal touch, you can create a delicious and flavorful spaghetti sauce in just minutes.
The key to a great semi-homemade spaghetti sauce is to start with a good base. You can easily achieve this by using a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce. Look for a sauce that is made with simple, wholesome ingredients and is free from artificial flavors and preservatives. This will serve as the foundation for your semi-homemade sauce and save you a lot of time and effort.
To elevate your store-bought marinara sauce and give it a homemade touch, add in some fresh ingredients. Start by sautéing some finely chopped onions and minced garlic in a large pot with a splash of olive oil. Once the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, pour in the store-bought marinara sauce and stir to combine. Then, season the sauce with a pinch of salt, a dash of black pepper, and a generous amount of dried Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
To enhance the flavor of the sauce even further, consider adding some extra ingredients. For a rich and meaty flavor, you can stir in some cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or mushrooms. For a pop of freshness, you can add in some chopped fresh basil or parsley. And if you are a fan of a creamy sauce, a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese can take it to the next level.
Once all the ingredients are combined, let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Then, your semi-homemade spaghetti sauce is ready to be tossed with your favorite cooked pasta. In just a matter of minutes, you have a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Here is a simple recipe for DIY semi-homemade spaghetti sauce:
Ingredients:
– 1 jar (24 ounces) store-bought marinara sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/2 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
– Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
– Heavy cream or mascarpone cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
2. Pour in the store-bought marinara sauce and stir to combine with the onions and garlic.
3. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. If desired, stir in the cooked ground beef or Italian sausage, fresh basil or parsley, and heavy cream or mascarpone cheese.
5. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve the sauce tossed with your favorite cooked pasta and enjoy!
In conclusion, with a few simple store-bought ingredients and your personal touch, you can create a delicious and flavorful semi-homemade spaghetti sauce in just minutes. Whether you prefer a classic marinara sauce, a meaty bolognese, or a creamy vodka sauce, the possibilities are endless. So, the next time you are craving a quick and easy Italian meal, consider making your own semi-homemade spaghetti sauce and savor the satisfaction of creating a homemade dish in no time.