Rich Garden-Style Spaghetti Sauce
Transform your summer tomato harvest into a delightful homemade spaghetti sauce that's perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings. This robust and flavorful sauce captures the essence of fresh tomatoes, complemented by aromatic herbs and vibrant spices. Not only is it a wonderful way to preserve the taste of summer, but it also serves as a comforting staple in the fall, winter, and spring months. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, layering it in a lasagna, or using it as a base for your favorite dishes, this sauce promises to elevate your meals with its rich, homemade goodness.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
5 quarts (chopped or crushed)
Bay Leaves
5 (whole)
Chili Powder
2 teaspoons (or to taste)
Oregano Leaves
2 tablespoons (dried)
Garlic
5 cloves (chopped fine)
Onion
1 large (chopped fine)
Salt
2 tablespoons (to taste)
Sugar
2/3 cup (to balance acidity)
Tomato Paste
2 (12-ounce) cans (for thickness)
Prego Spaghetti Sauce
1 (15-ounce) can (for added flavor)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the chopped tomatoes, bay leaves, chili powder, oregano, garlic, onion, salt, and sugar.
2
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4
Stir in the tomato paste and Prego spaghetti sauce, then continue to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
5
Remove from heat and discard the bay leaves.
6
Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then fill sterilized quart jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
7
Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes to ensure preservation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rich Garden-Style Spaghetti Sauce?
It is a robust and flavorful homemade spaghetti sauce made from fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices, ideal for preserving a summer harvest.
What are the main ingredients for this spaghetti sauce?
The main ingredients include tomatoes, bay leaves, chili powder, oregano, garlic, onion, salt, sugar, tomato paste, and Prego spaghetti sauce.
How many tomatoes are required for this recipe?
You will need 5 quarts of tomatoes, either chopped or crushed.
How many bay leaves should I use?
The recipe calls for 5 whole bay leaves.
How much chili powder is added to the sauce?
You should add 2 teaspoons of chili powder, or adjust to your preference.
What type of oregano is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of dried oregano leaves.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 5 cloves of garlic, chopped fine.
How should the onion be prepared?
You should use 1 large onion, chopped fine.
Why is sugar added to the spaghetti sauce?
2/3 cup of sugar is added to help balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
How much tomato paste is used for thickening?
You will need 2 (12-ounce) cans of tomato paste.
Why is Prego spaghetti sauce included in the ingredients?
One 15-ounce can of Prego is added to provide additional depth and flavor to the homemade base.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Combine the chopped tomatoes, bay leaves, chili powder, oregano, garlic, onion, salt, and sugar in a large pot.
How long should the initial mixture simmer?
After reaching a rolling boil, reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes.
When do I add the tomato paste and Prego sauce?
Add these ingredients after the initial 30-minute simmer.
How long do I cook the sauce after adding the paste?
Continue to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently until it reaches your desired consistency.
Should I remove the bay leaves?
Yes, remove and discard the bay leaves after the sauce is finished cooking and before jarring.
What size jars should be used for canning?
The recipe is designed for filling sterilized quart-sized jars.
How much headspace should I leave in the jars?
Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jars.
How long should the jars be processed in a water bath?
Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes to ensure preservation.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this is a vegan-friendly recipe.
Is this spaghetti sauce vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Sauces.
Can I use this sauce for lasagna?
Yes, it is excellent for layering in lasagna or tossing with your favorite pasta.
Is this a good recipe for seasonal cooking?
Yes, it is specifically designed to use fresh summer tomato harvests for year-round use.
What kind of cuisine is this sauce?
It is part of Italian cuisine.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of salt, or you can adjust to taste.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The 5 cloves of garlic should be chopped fine.
Can I adjust the chili powder?
Yes, the 2 teaspoons of chili powder can be adjusted to your personal taste.
How often should I stir the sauce while cooking?
You should stir occasionally during the first boil and frequently once the tomato paste is added to prevent sticking.