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130-Year-Old Italian Spaghetti Sauce

Authentic Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

This Authentic Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is a simple, traditional recipe passed down through generations. It relies on the pure, rich flavor of crushed tomatoes, slowly sautéed onions, and a timeless combination of basil and oregano to create a comforting sauce. It's a versatile base perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or a more elaborate meat sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 4 cups crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You’re not looking to brown it, just to coax out its natural sweetness. Once the onion is soft, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until you can smell its wonderful aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
  2. Combine the Ingredients: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir everything together, then add the dried oregano, dried basil, and the optional sugar. The sugar is a classic Italian trick to help cut through the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a more balanced and mellow sauce.
  3. Simmer to Perfection: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling lightly, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes. This simmering time is crucial; it’s where all the flavors meld together and the sauce develops its rich, deep character. For an even more flavorful sauce, you can let it simmer for up to an hour. Just be sure to stir it every 15 minutes or so to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  4. Season and Serve: After the sauce has finished simmering, give it a final stir and taste it. Add salt and pepper until it’s seasoned to your liking. At this point, your sauce is ready to be ladled over your favorite pasta. This simple process is the key to creating a truly authentic Tomato Sauce For Spaghetti that your family will adore.

Notes

For the best results, allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for at least 30-60 minutes to deepen the flavors. Use high-quality crushed tomatoes, such as San Marzano-style, for a naturally sweeter and less acidic base. If the sauce is watery, let it simmer with the lid slightly ajar to allow excess liquid to evaporate and thicken the sauce naturally.