Semi-Homemade Spaghetti Sauce: Quick and Delicious Tips
Spaghetti is a classic comfort food that many people enjoy, and one of the key components of a good spaghetti dish is the sauce. While making a spaghetti sauce from scratch can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, there is a way to create a delicious and satisfying sauce in a fraction of the time. Semi-homemade spaghetti sauce combines store-bought ingredients with a few fresh additions to create a sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove all day. Here are some quick and delicious tips for making semi-homemade spaghetti sauce, as well as a recipe to get you started.
Quick and Delicious Tips for Semi-Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
1. Start with a Good Base: Instead of starting completely from scratch, begin with a high-quality, store-bought spaghetti sauce. Look for a sauce that has a good balance of flavors and is made with simple, natural ingredients.
2. Add Fresh Ingredients: To elevate your store-bought sauce, add fresh ingredients such as onions, garlic, and herbs. Sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant, then add them to the sauce along with some freshly chopped basil, oregano, and parsley.
3. Customize with Your Favorite Ingredients: One of the great things about semi-homemade spaghetti sauce is that it is highly customizable. Add your favorite ingredients such as meatballs, sausage, mushrooms, or olives to create a sauce that suits your tastes.
4. Simmer and Blend: After adding the fresh ingredients, let the sauce simmer on low heat for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the sauce is ready, toss it with your favorite cooked pasta and serve with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your quick and delicious semi-homemade spaghetti dish!
Semi-Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 jar of high-quality store-bought spaghetti sauce
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
– 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano, chopped
– 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
2. Pour the store-bought spaghetti sauce into the saucepan with the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir to combine.
3. Add the chopped basil, oregano, and parsley to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Once the sauce is ready, toss it with your favorite cooked pasta and serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
This semi-homemade spaghetti sauce is quick and easy to make, and the addition of fresh ingredients elevates the store-bought sauce to a whole new level of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying Sunday dinner, this semi-homemade spaghetti sauce is sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy!