Aunt Vi’s Spaghetti Sauce ๐
Aunt Vi’s Spaghetti Sauce is a cherished family recipe that has been passed down through generations. It’s a classic Italian-style tomato sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for serving over your favorite pasta. Here’s everything you need to know about this delicious sauce, complete with emojis to make it fun! ๐
History ๐
Aunt Vi’s Spaghetti Sauce has its roots in the old country, where our ancestors brought their treasured family recipes to America. The story goes that Aunt Vi, a passionate cook, put her own twist on this traditional sauce, making it a beloved staple at family gatherings. Over time, the recipe was perfected and shared with family and friends.
Components ๐
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The key components of Aunt Vi’s Spaghetti Sauce include:
- Tomatoes: You’ll need ripe, red tomatoes, preferably Roma or San Marzano for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, minced finely, or roasted for a milder flavor.
- Onion: Yellow or white onions, chopped finely.
- Olive Oil: For sautรฉing the onions and garlic.
- Herbs: A mix of basil, oregano, thyme, and a bay leaf for that perfect Italian flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, and a dash of sugar to balance the acidity.
Steps to Prepare ๐ณ๐ฉโ๐ณ
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make Aunt Vi’s Spaghetti Sauce:
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Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, sautรฉ the chopped onions until they become translucent.
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Add the minced garlic and continue to sautรฉ for another minute, taking care not to brown the garlic.
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Add the ripe tomatoes, either whole or crushed, to the pan. If using whole tomatoes, crush them as they cook.
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Stir in the basil, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
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Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer for at least 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you simmer, the richer the flavors will become. You can add a dash of sugar to balance the acidity if needed.
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Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Time Needed โณ
The total time needed to prepare Aunt Vi’s Spaghetti Sauce can vary, but it typically takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours to simmer the sauce to perfection. The more time you have, the better the flavors will meld together, so don’t rush it if you can help it.
Now, you’re ready to serve Aunt Vi’s Spaghetti Sauce over your favorite pasta, garnished with some fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your homemade Italian masterpiece! ๐ฝ๏ธ๐ฎ๐น๐
Certainly! Here are some nutrition facts and health information for Aunt Vi’s Spaghetti Sauce:
Nutrition Facts (per 1/2 cup serving):
- Calories: Approximately 60-70 calories
- Total Fat: 2-3 grams
- Sodium: Around 350-450 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 9-11 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 6-8 grams
- Protein: 2-3 grams
Health Information:
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Low in Calories: Aunt Vi’s Spaghetti Sauce is relatively low in calories, making it a good choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
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Low in Fat: The sauce typically contains a moderate amount of fat, mainly from the olive oil. Olive oil is a healthier fat source, primarily monounsaturated fat.
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Fiber Content: This sauce has a reasonable amount of dietary fiber due to the tomatoes and onions, which can aid in digestion and help you feel fuller.
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Vitamins and Minerals: The tomatoes in the sauce provide essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and various antioxidants.
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Heart-Healthy: The use of olive oil and the inclusion of tomatoes contribute to the heart-healthy nature of this sauce. Olive oil is known for its heart-protective properties, and tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health.
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Low Added Sugar: The added sugar is typically minimal in Aunt Vi’s Spaghetti Sauce, and you can adjust it to your preference. This is a good choice for those watching their sugar intake.
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Versatile: This sauce can be made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, reducing the need for unhealthy additives, preservatives, or excessive sodium.
Remember that the specific nutrition content may vary based on the exact ingredients and preparation method used. However, Aunt Vi’s Spaghetti Sauce, when prepared with fresh and wholesome ingredients, can be a nutritious and delicious addition to your meal. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet! ๐ ๐ฅ๐
