Description
A rich, smoky spaghetti sauce made with fire-roasted tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of spice. Perfect for pasta, lasagna, or as a pizza sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, finely grated (for sweetness)
- 2 (28 oz) cans fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or beef broth for non-vegetarian)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and grated carrot, cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices), broth, balsamic vinegar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover and let simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- For smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to partially puree (or leave chunky).
- Season with salt, pepper, and brown sugar (if using) to balance acidity.
- Serve over cooked pasta, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For meat version: Brown 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage before adding onions
- Freezes well for up to 3 months
- Flavor improves next day – make ahead if possible
- Add 1/2 cup red wine with the tomatoes for deeper flavor
- Can substitute fresh tomatoes (roast at 400°F for 30 minutes first)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup sauce
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg