"Mastering the Art of Homemade Spaghetti Sauce: Where to Begin?"

The Secret is in the Sauce.

I am often ask what my favorite foods are, and though some answers vary with the seasons, spaghetti is a constant. Spaghetti is versatile with many different sauce combinations, it’s very economical meal when you’re on a tight budget, and it is incredibly simple to make. Wether you use homemade or store bought pasta, I prefer the whole wheat blend from Healthy Harvest, the key to great spaghetti is the sauce.

 Home made spaghetti sauce is a breeze to make and can be a great opportunity to pump your family full of vegetables without them even knowing. I will often throw any vegetables I have that are starting to expire in the pot with the rest and once it’s blended up nobody notices.

Basic Spaghetti Sauce:

2 Medium Yellow Onion, Chopped

1 Red Bell Pepper, Seeded and Chopped

4 Cloves Garlic, Peeled

12 Roma Tomatoes, Chopped

4 Stalks Celery, Peeled and Chopped

4 Carrots, Peeled and Chopped

1 Tbsp Fresh Oregano, Chopped (or 1 tsp dried Oregano)

1 6oz Can Tomato Paste

1 8oz Tomato Sauce

2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil

1 Qt Chicken Stock

1/4 Cup Red Wine

1 Tbsp Kosher Salt

1 tsp Pepper

1. Heat oil in a large sauce pot. Sweat Onion and Garlic for 2-3 minutes then deglaze with the wine.

2. Let the wine reduce till almost gone then add the rest of the vegetables and the stock.

3. Add the Salt and Pepper. Simmer over Med/Low heat 1 hour or until the liquid has reduced by 1/2. Puree in a blender.

4. To thin it out add a little chicken stock gradually, to thicken use a corn starch slurry.

5. Salt and Pepper to taste.

Obviously this is just a base model recipe. Once you make the basic sauce you can add mushrooms, sausage, meatballs, etc. I usually do either meatballs or Italian Sausage to add some protein. This will be enough for 4 people easily and if your feeding more simply double it.

I can’t make spaghetti and not make Garlic Bread. I rarely toot my own horn about anything I make but my garlic bread is kind of legendary. While I would love to say its a brilliant creation the truth is I simply d

rown the bread in real butter and garlic salt then toast it in the oven. It is absolutely the least healthy thing that ever comes out of my kitchen.

Heart Attack Garlic Toast:

8 slices of whole wheat bread (for the illusion of healthy eating)

1 Stick of real, unsalted Butter, Melted

2 Tbsp Garlic Salt

1. On a foil lined cookie sheet place the 8 slices of bread in two rows.

2. Apply Butter liberally with a spoon.

3. Sprinkle Garlic Salt over the slices.

4. Toast under the broiler for 3-5 minutes.

I realize how bad it sounds but trust me it’s amazing. Put a little spaghetti on a piece of toast, fold it over, and enjoy a little taste of heaven.

However you make it, eat it with your loved ones and it will always be delicious.

As always,

Stay hungry my friends.

Martin