Certainly! The A+ Spaghetti Sauce is a rich and flavorful pasta sauce that’s often considered a classic in Italian-American cuisine. It’s known for its deep flavors and versatile use with various pasta dishes. Here’s the recipe, along with its history, ingredients, instructions, and preparation time:
Recipe: A+ Spaghetti Sauce
History:
The origins of spaghetti sauce can be traced back to ancient Roman times, where they used a simple sauce made from various ingredients. However, the modern version of spaghetti sauce, as we know it today, has its roots in Italian-American cuisine. Italian immigrants in the United States adapted their traditional recipes to local ingredients, giving rise to a wide variety of pasta sauces, including the A+ Spaghetti Sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Cooked spaghetti (for serving)
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
- Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar. If using, pour in the red wine at this point.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes
Enjoy your homemade A+ Spaghetti Sauce with your favorite pasta for a delicious and comforting meal!
Please note that cooking times may vary slightly based on your stove and other factors. It’s always a good idea to taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for A+ Spaghetti Sauce:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, sauce only):
Please note that the nutritional values can vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 100-150 kcal
- Total Fat: About 6-8 g
- Saturated Fat: Around 2-3 g
- Cholesterol: About 15-25 mg
- Sodium: Roughly 300-400 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: Around 8-12 g
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2-3 g
- Sugars: Around 5-7 g
- Protein: About 6-8 g
Health Information:
-
Tomatoes: The sauce’s base ingredient, tomatoes, are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may have potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases.
-
Olive Oil: The use of olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
-
Onions and Garlic: These ingredients contain compounds that could have potential health benefits, including immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects.
-
Lean Protein: If using lean ground beef or turkey, the sauce provides a source of protein essential for muscle health.
-
Herbs and Spices: Herbs like oregano and basil contribute not only to flavor but also to potential health benefits due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
-
Fiber: The sauce’s fiber content, coming from tomatoes and other vegetables, supports digestive health and can contribute to a feeling of fullness.
Health Tips:
- Opt for lean ground meat or use plant-based protein alternatives to reduce saturated fat content.
- Consider using whole-grain pasta to increase dietary fiber intake.
- Be mindful of portion sizes, especially when serving with pasta, to control calorie intake.
Remember that the nutritional values are approximations and can vary based on factors like specific ingredients used and serving sizes. If you have specific dietary concerns or health goals, it’s recommended to consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional.
