Description
This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce recipe delivers a rich, hearty, and flavorful meal made from fresh tomatoes, smoked turkey bacon, and a hint of apple cider vinegar. Perfect for any occasion, this sauce is simple to prepare and versatile, offering comforting homemade taste with natural ingredients and plant-based options.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Fresh tomatoes, diced – 6 cups
- Smoked turkey bacon, chopped – 4 slices
- Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
- Onion, chopped – 1 medium
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Dried oregano (natural) – 1 teaspoon
- Dried basil (natural) – 1 teaspoon
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) – 1 tablespoon
- Apple cider vinegar (natural) – 2 tablespoons
- Natural gelling agent – 1 teaspoon
Optional Ingredients
- Smoked turkey slices – 2 slices (optional)
- Plant-based Parmesan cheese (plant-based) – for sprinkling
- Red pepper flakes – 1/4 teaspoon (for spicy kick)
- Diced jalapeño – 1 small (for spicy kick)
- Finely chopped carrots – 1/2 cup (for vegetable boost)
- Chopped bell peppers – 1/2 cup (for vegetable boost)
- Chopped mushrooms – 1/2 cup (for vegetable boost)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme – 1 teaspoon (herb swap)
- Lentils or textured vegetable protein – 1 cup cooked (plant-based protein)
- Sun-dried tomatoes – 1/4 cup (as smoked turkey bacon substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Dice fresh tomatoes, mince garlic, and chop onions. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat, sauté onions until translucent and garlic until fragrant to build the base flavors.
- Add Smoked Turkey Bacon: Chop smoked turkey bacon into small pieces and add to the pot. Cook until it releases a smoky aroma and browns slightly, infusing the sauce.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer to meld flavors.
- Add Apple Cider Vinegar and Natural Gelling Agent: Pour in apple cider vinegar for brightness, then sprinkle the natural gelling agent while stirring well to thicken the sauce without heaviness. Let simmer on low heat.
- Final Adjustments and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Fold in smoked turkey slices if using, and sprinkle plant-based Parmesan cheese on top before serving hot over pasta.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for vibrant flavor and color.
- Simmer the sauce gently to deepen flavors and achieve ideal thickness.
- Adjust apple cider vinegar to balance acidity per personal taste.
- Carefully use the natural gelling agent to avoid clumps and achieve smooth texture.
- Sauce flavors improve if refrigerated overnight, making meal prep easier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Spaghetti sauce, homemade pasta sauce, tomato sauce, smoked turkey bacon sauce, plant-based pasta sauce, easy Italian sauce
