Description
A rich and flavorful spaghetti sauce featuring caramelized garlic and onions simmered with crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a hearty pasta meal, this sauce balances sweetness from brown sugar with the savoriness of garlic and onions, topped with fresh basil and grated Parmesan for an authentic Italian touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz dried spaghetti (3 ounces per person)
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 5 tbsp light olive oil
- 2 medium to large onions, peeled and thinly sliced
- 8-10 cloves garlic, peeled
Herbs & Seasonings
- 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 to taste
For Serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped basil
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and thinly slice the two onions and peel the garlic cloves. Set aside all your ingredients so they are ready to use.
- Caramelize Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of light olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the peeled garlic cloves and slowly caramelize them until they turn golden brown and fragrant, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Caramelize Onions: In the same pan, add the remaining 4 tablespoons of light olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them on medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for about 30 minutes, until they become soft and caramelized with a deep golden color.
- Add Herbs and Seasonings: Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, thyme, and optional pepper flakes to the caramelized onions and garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to release their aromas.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Tomatoes: Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits for flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the brown sugar to balance acidity, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should thicken and develop deep flavor.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the dried spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Final Touches and Serving: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the sauce hot over the cooked spaghetti, garnished with freshly chopped basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- This spaghetti sauce features caramelized onions and garlic, creating a unique depth of flavor compared to traditional tomato sauces.
- The long, slow cooking process is essential for sweetening the onions and mellowing the garlic without bitterness.
- Brown sugar is adjustable depending on your preference for sweetness; you can reduce or omit it if desired.
- Adding grated Parmesan and fresh basil right before serving elevates the dish and adds fresh, salty, and herbal notes.
- For a spicier kick, include the optional dried pepper flakes as you cook the herbs.
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
