Description
This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce captures the cozy essence of Italian dinner with ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and smoky turkey bacon flavors, perfect to elevate any pasta dish with warmth and depth.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Herbs
- 4 cups ripe fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can high-quality whole tomatoes, crushed by hand)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
Proteins & Additions
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Oils & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Finely chop onions and garlic, then gently sauté them in extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until fragrant and translucent. This forms the savory foundation for your sauce.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Add chopped smoked turkey bacon to the pan and cook until slightly crispy, allowing the rendered smoky fat to infuse the sauce with deep, meaty flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Stir in fresh chopped tomatoes or canned whole tomatoes crushed by hand. Add tomato paste (natural) to concentrate the tomato flavor and create a vibrant red color in the sauce.
- Season and Simmer: Mix in fresh basil, oregano, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and a pinch of natural gelling agent for thickness. Let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Final Taste and Adjustments: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more herbs for fragrance or a touch more apple cider vinegar if the sauce feels too rich. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a glossy, luscious texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes or quality canned tomatoes for best flavor.
- Simmer sauce gently on low heat to avoid bitterness and develop complex flavors.
- Season gradually to prevent over-salting and let natural flavors shine.
- Add fresh basil near the end of cooking to preserve aroma and bright color.
- Allow the sauce to rest off heat before serving so flavors deepen thoroughly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
Keywords: spaghetti sauce, homemade tomato sauce, Italian sauce, turkey bacon sauce, pasta sauce, fresh herb sauce
