Include in Print View:

Zesty Spaghetti Sauce

Zesty Spaghetti Sauce recipe image
This Zesty Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty, slow-cooked masterpiece that brings authentic Italian flavors to your dinner table. Rich with fresh plum tomatoes, aromatic fennel seeds, and a blend of fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano, this sauce offers a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. The addition of Italian sausage adds a savory depth, while a splash of red wine vinegar brightens the profile. Ideal for tossing with spaghetti, serving over meatballs, or using as a base for lasagna, this versatile sauce tastes even better the next day. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, it delivers a robust, home-style comfort that everyone will love.
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 8
Calories: 132.6
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
This Zesty Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty, slow-cooked masterpiece that brings authentic Italian flavors to your dinner table. Rich with fresh plum tomatoes, aromatic fennel seeds, and a blend of fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano, this sauce offers a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. The addition of Italian sausage adds a savory depth, while a splash of red wine vinegar brightens the profile. Ideal for tossing with spaghetti, serving over meatballs, or using as a base for lasagna, this versatile sauce tastes even better the next day. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, it delivers a robust, home-style comfort that everyone will love.
Ingredients
  • 4 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 2 Onions, chopped
  • 4 Garlic cloves, chopped
  • 3 lb Fresh or canned red Italian plum tomatoes
  • 1 c Tomato juice
  • 5 tb Combined fresh herbs: basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary
  • 1 lb Hot and sweet Italian sausage
  • 1/2 c Red wine vinegar (use balsamic if preferred)
  • 2 tb Tomato paste
  • 1 tb Sugar
  • 1 ts Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/8 ts Cayenne or red pepper
  • 1 tb Fennel seeds
Directions
  1. 1
    Heat the olive oil in a heavy, large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. 2
    Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pan and cook until soft and translucent.
  3. 3
    Roughly cut up the tomatoes and add them to the saucepan.
  4. 4
    Stir in half of the tomato juice, the fennel seeds, and 2 tablespoons of the mixed fresh herbs.
  5. 5
    Cover the saucepan and simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. 6
    While the sauce simmers, remove the sausage meat from its casings if necessary.
  7. 7
    Fry the sausage in a separate skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.
  8. 8
    Drain any excess fat from the sausage and add it to the simmering tomato sauce.
  9. 9
    Stir in the remaining tomato juice, red wine vinegar, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
  10. 10
    Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as necessary to achieve a rich, balanced flavor.
  11. 11
    Move the lid to a half-cover position and continue simmering over very low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce does not scorch.
  12. 12
    Just before serving, toss the remaining fresh herbs into the sauce and stir to mix.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 132.6kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15.0g24%
Saturated Fat 2.1g11%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 0.0mg0%
Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 0.0g0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: The sauce may be frozen or refrigerated for several days. It often tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld overnight.

Ingredient Substitution: You can use balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar for a slightly sweeter, deeper flavor profile.

Tip: Use a combination of hot and sweet Italian sausage for a complex flavor, or stick to one type based on your preference for heat.

Serving Suggestion: Serve hot over spaghetti, linguine, or as a base for lasagna or baked ziti.

Keywords: spaghetti sauce, italian sauce, tomato sauce, sausage sauce, slow cooked, pasta sauce, fennel seeds, fresh herbs, plum tomatoes, homemade sauce, comfort food, dinner recipe, italian cuisine, simmered sauce, garlic, onion, basil, oregano, thyme
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/zesty-spaghetti-sauce/