Italian > Sauces > Tomato Sauces > Spicy Sauces

Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup red wine

Special equipment needed:
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Immersion blender or regular blender (optional)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.

4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add red wine and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.

6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

7. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to blend the sauce until smooth (optional).

8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
Makes about 3 cups of sauce

Nutritional information:
Calories: 70
Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 470mg
Sugar: 8g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Crushed tomatoes can be substituted with diced tomatoes or tomato puree.
- Red wine can be substituted with vegetable or chicken broth.

Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a meaty tomato sauce.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Use a splatter screen to prevent the sauce from splattering while cooking.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of water to thin it out.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the spicy tomato sauce over pasta, pizza, or grilled chicken.

Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh basil leaves or grated Parmesan cheese.

Pairings:
Pair with a glass of red wine and a side salad.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acidity.
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the sauce to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.

Food history:
Tomato sauce originated in Italy and has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries.

Flavor profiles:
The spicy tomato sauce is tangy, savory, and slightly sweet with a kick of heat from the red pepper flakes.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the spicy tomato sauce over pasta, pizza, or grilled chicken for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

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Taste: Spicy, Tangy, Savory, Tomato, Rich, Tomato-Y