Description
A rich and flavorful spaghetti sauce featuring caramelized garlic and onions, blended with crushed tomatoes and classic Italian herbs. This sauce is perfect for enhancing your pasta dishes with a deep, sweet, and savory taste that’s both comforting and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 12 oz dried spaghetti (3 ounces per person)
Sauce
- 8-10 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 onions, medium to large-sized, peeled and thinly sliced
- 5 tbsp light olive oil
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp thyme
- ¼ tsp dried pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper (adjust to taste)
For Serving
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic and Onions: Peel and thinly slice the onions and peel the garlic cloves. These will be the base flavors of the sauce.
- Caramelize Garlic and Onions: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the 5 tablespoons of light olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and garlic cloves. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. This process brings out sweetness and deep flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce into the caramelized onion and garlic mixture. Stir well. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, thyme, dried pepper flakes if using, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to a rich consistency.
- Cook Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain well.
- Serve: Plate the cooked spaghetti and generously spoon the caramelized garlic and onion spaghetti sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan and chopped fresh basil for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- This spaghetti sauce stands out because of the caramelized garlic and onions, adding depth and a natural sweetness to the traditional tomato base.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preference to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- For a spicier kick, increase or add more dried pepper flakes.
- The sauce can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld further.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 221 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 8 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
