Bubs favorite speghetti 🍝

Spaghetti w/ or w/o Beef and Garlic Bread

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings, not considering the beef

1. ¼ cup olive oil

2. 1 medium/large onion, chopped

3. ½ teaspoon garlic powder

4. 4 pounds fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped (5-6 medium/big tomatoes)

5. 1 small to medium green bell pepper, diced

6. 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

7. 1 tablespoon white sugar (don’t forget!)

8. 1 tablespoon dried basil

9. 1 tablespoon dried parsley

10. 1 tablespoon oregano

11. 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional)

12. 3 teaspoon salt

13. 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

14. 4 cloves garlic, minced

15. 1 pound ground beef

16. 1 pound thin spaghetti or pasta of choice

17. 2 tablespoon Butter for the pasta and garlic

18. Consider thyme a good amount

19. Consider red or white miso paste

-Or use Italian seasoning to replace basil, parsley, oregano

How to Peel Tomatoes

Peeling tomatoes requires a little effort, but when you taste the results in tomato sauces and soups, you'll realize the rewards are well worth it. Removing the peel gives sauces a smoother texture and a sweeter taste. Read on to see how easy it is to peel tomatoes. (This method also works for peeling peaches and plums.)

How to Peel Tomatoes

1. Remove any stickers and wash the tomato thoroughly.

2. Remove the stem and cut a shallow X on the bottom of the tomato. This will make peeling much easier. Optional: Some cooks also cut out the stem end with a sharp paring knife.

3. Fill a large bowl with ice water and set it aside. Place a pot of plain water on the stove and bring it to a boil. Carefully lower the tomato into the boiling water. You can add several at a time. Remove them after 30-90 seconds, or when the skin begins to peel back (this is a must to make it easier to peel), and place them into the bowl of ice water.

4. Let the tomatoes sit in the ice bath for 5 minutes or until you see the peels shrivel and start to peel off.

5. Once the tomatoes have chilled, remove them from the ice water. The tomatoes should still be very firm, with the skin wrinkled and coming off the flesh.

6. Peel the skins off with your hands. Should be quite easy.

7. If the skin is stubborn, use a small sharp paring knife to remove the pieces that won't budge, being careful not to squeeze the tomato.

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this simple spaghetti sauce:

• Fresh tomatoes: Try to stick with plum tomatoes, like Roma, San Marzano, and cherry tomatoes. Be sure to peel the tomatoes (and remove the seeds, if you like, but it's not necessary).

• White sugar: The sugar will balance out the acidity and give the sauce a hint of sweetness.

• Onion: Onions will add a depth of flavor to the sauce as they cook down.

• Spices: Garlic powder, basil, parsley, and salt will increase the flavor of the sauce. We think the recipe is great as is, but some reviewers like to add additional spices, like oregano, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning.

How to Make Tomato Sauce From Fresh Tomatoes

Making tomato sauce from scratch is really easy

1. Peel the tomatoes.

2. Cook the onion and garlic.

3. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens.

How to Thicken Tomato Sauce

The easiest way to thicken tomato sauce is by simply simmering the sauce for longer. The longer you allow it to simmer, the more liquid will evaporate.

If you don't have the time (or patience) to let the sauce simmer longer, you can add a cornstarch slurry (one part cornstarch and one part water). Gradually whisk in the slurry until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

How to Store Tomato Sauce From Fresh Tomatoes

Store homemade tomato sauce in a Mason jar or other airtight container for three to five days.

You can also can your homemade tomato sauce to make it shelf-stable. To do this, you will need to add citric acid or lemon juice to the sauce to make sure the acidity levels are safe. Then, sterilize your jars by boiling them for about 10 minutes. Fill the jars with sauce. Then, process the jars in a stockpot with boiling water for at least 10 minutes.

Store canned tomato sauce in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months. Once opened, store in the refrigerator and use within a few days.

Can You Freeze Tomato Sauce From Fresh Tomatoes?

Yes, you can definitely freeze homemade tomato sauce! Spoon completely cooled tomato sauce into zip-top freezer bags. Squeeze out the excess air, label and date each bag, then store flat in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic powder; cook and stir until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

1. Add tomatoes, sugar, basil, parsley, and salt; bring to a boil.

1. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, 1 to 2 hours.

   
   
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3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Recipe Tip

For a less chunky sauce or to make a pizza sauce, cool slightly after Step 4, then process in a blender to the desired consistency.

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.

   
   
2. 
   

Combine ground beef, onion, garlic, and green pepper in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until meat is browned and crumbly and vegetables are tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain grease.

1. 
   

Stir diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the pan. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer spaghetti sauce for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add Basil at end and mix

Serve hot and enjoy!