Nanny’s Secret Spaghetti Sauce: A Family Recipe Revealed
## The Story Behind the Sauce
Every family has that one recipe, passed down through generations, that embodies comfort, love, and countless shared meals. For my family, it’s Nanny’s Spaghetti Sauce. This isn’t just any sauce; it’s a rich, flavorful concoction that fills the house with an irresistible aroma and brings everyone to the table with anticipation. For years, the exact recipe was a closely guarded secret, only whispered between select family members. But now, I’m thrilled to share this cherished recipe with you, so you can bring a taste of our family tradition into your own home.
This sauce isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about the time, the care, and the love that goes into making it. It’s about the slow simmering that coaxes out the depths of flavor and the anticipation of that first delicious bite. It’s a recipe that demands patience but rewards you with a sauce that’s far superior to anything you can buy in a jar.
## What Makes Nanny’s Spaghetti Sauce Special?
Several key elements contribute to the unique flavor profile of Nanny’s Spaghetti Sauce:
* **High-Quality Ingredients:** Nanny always insisted on using the best ingredients possible. This starts with ripe, flavorful tomatoes and extends to fresh herbs and good-quality olive oil. The difference is noticeable.
* **Slow Simmering:** The sauce simmers for hours, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. This extended cooking time is crucial for developing the rich, complex taste that defines this recipe.
* **The Secret Ingredient (Maybe):** Okay, there might be a few secret ingredients sprinkled in that adds to the depth of flavour. One involves a pinch of sugar, and the other the use of red wine. More below.
* **Fresh Herbs:** While dried herbs can work in a pinch, fresh herbs bring a vibrancy and brightness to the sauce that dried herbs simply can’t replicate. Nanny always used a combination of fresh basil, oregano, and parsley.
* **The Right Balance of Flavors:** Nanny’s sauce is perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of acidity, sweetness, and savory notes. This balance is achieved through careful adjustments and a willingness to taste and adjust as the sauce simmers.
## Nanny’s Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
**Yields:** Approximately 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 3-4 hours
**Ingredients:**
* 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* 1 large onion, finely chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, removed from casings)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
* 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
* Cooked spaghetti, for serving
**Equipment:**
* Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
* Wooden spoon
**Instructions:**
**Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics**
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
**Step 2: Brown the Meat**
Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into smaller pieces. Cook until the meat is browned, about 8-10 minutes, draining off any excess grease. Make sure the meat is evenly browned for the best flavor.
**Step 3: Add the Dried Spices and Red Wine (Optional)**
Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors. If using red wine, pour it into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce for a few minutes, intensifying its flavor.
**Step 4: Incorporate the Tomato Products**
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Add the sugar, salt, and pepper. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
**Step 5: Simmer the Sauce**
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer for at least 3 hours, or up to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer the sauce simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will become. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
**Step 6: Add the Fresh Herbs**
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh basil, oregano, and parsley. This will add a burst of fresh flavor to the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to your liking.
**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**
Serve Nanny’s Spaghetti Sauce over cooked spaghetti, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. This sauce is also delicious with other types of pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. It’s also great as a base for lasagna or baked ziti.
## Tips for the Perfect Nanny’s Spaghetti Sauce
* **Use High-Quality Tomatoes:** The quality of your tomatoes will greatly impact the flavor of the sauce. Look for ripe, flavorful tomatoes, or use a good-quality brand of canned tomatoes.
* **Don’t Rush the Simmering Process:** The slow simmering is crucial for developing the rich, complex flavor of the sauce. Don’t be tempted to shorten the cooking time.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasonings:** Taste the sauce frequently as it simmers and adjust the seasonings as needed. Everyone has different preferences, so feel free to customize the sauce to your liking.
* **Add a Pinch of Baking Soda:** If your sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acidity. Be careful not to add too much, as it can affect the flavor of the sauce.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs add a vibrancy and brightness to the sauce that dried herbs simply can’t replicate. If you can, use fresh basil, oregano, and parsley.
* **Make a Big Batch:** This sauce freezes well, so consider making a big batch and freezing it in portions for future meals. It’s always nice to have a jar of Nanny’s Spaghetti Sauce on hand for a quick and easy dinner.
* **Spice it up:** A pinch of red pepper flakes adds some heat.
* **Add Vegetables:** Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added during the onion and garlic stage for added flavour and nutrients.
* **Try different meats:** Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even plant-based crumbles can be used instead of ground beef.
## Variations on Nanny’s Spaghetti Sauce
While Nanny’s original recipe is perfect as is, there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:
* **Meat Lovers’ Sauce:** Add more meat, such as ground pork, Italian sausage, or meatballs. You can brown the extra meat along with the ground beef.
* **Vegetarian Sauce:** Omit the meat and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. Sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic.
* **Spicy Sauce:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier sauce.
* **Creamy Sauce:** Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end of cooking for a creamier sauce.
* **White Wine Sauce:** Use white wine instead of red wine for a lighter, brighter flavor.
## Serving Suggestions
Nanny’s Spaghetti Sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Spaghetti and Meatballs:** Serve the sauce over spaghetti with homemade or store-bought meatballs.
* **Lasagna:** Use the sauce as a base for a classic lasagna.
* **Baked Ziti:** Combine the sauce with cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden brown.
* **Pizza:** Use the sauce as a base for homemade pizza.
* **Stuffed Peppers:** Fill bell peppers with a mixture of rice, ground meat, and Nanny’s Spaghetti Sauce, then bake until tender.
* **Chicken Parmesan:** Use the sauce as a topping for chicken parmesan.
* **Soup:** Combine with broth and vegetables for a hearty pasta soup.
## Storing Nanny’s Spaghetti Sauce
* **Refrigerating:** Allow the sauce to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing:** For longer storage, freeze the sauce in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Reheating Nanny’s Spaghetti Sauce
* **Stovetop:** Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the sauce in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
## Why Nanny’s Spaghetti Sauce Matters
More than just a recipe, Nanny’s Spaghetti Sauce is a symbol of family, tradition, and love. It represents the countless hours Nanny spent in the kitchen, nurturing her family with delicious food. It’s a reminder of the importance of slowing down, taking the time to create something special, and sharing it with the people you love.
By sharing this recipe with you, I hope to inspire you to create your own family traditions and memories in the kitchen. Whether you make Nanny’s Spaghetti Sauce exactly as written or customize it to your own liking, I hope it brings you and your loved ones as much joy as it has brought my family.
So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to make a sauce that will become a cherished family favorite for generations to come. Enjoy!
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?**
A: Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes. However, the texture of the sauce will be slightly different. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the diced tomatoes before adding them to the pot.
**Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?**
A: While fresh herbs are preferred, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb for every 1 tablespoon of fresh herb. Add the dried herbs along with the other dried spices in Step 3.
**Q: Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?**
A: Yes, you can make this sauce in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet before transferring them to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
**Q: Can I add vegetables to this sauce?**
A: Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant can be added during the onion and garlic stage for added flavor and nutrients.
**Q: Can I freeze this sauce?**
A: Yes, this sauce freezes well. Allow the sauce to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
**Q: What is the best way to reheat this sauce?**
A: You can reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
**Q: Is this sauce gluten-free?**
A: Yes, this sauce is naturally gluten-free. However, be sure to use gluten-free pasta when serving it.
**Q: Can I make this sauce vegetarian?**
A: Yes, you can make this sauce vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. Sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic.
**Q: Can I make this sauce vegan?**
A: To make this sauce vegan, omit the meat and use a plant-based meat substitute or more vegetables. Ensure any wine you use is also vegan-friendly.
**Q: What kind of wine should I use?**
A: A dry red wine like Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot works well. Avoid sweet or overly oaky wines.
**Q: How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?**
A: If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
**Q: How can I reduce the acidity of the sauce?**
A: A small amount of sugar (as used in the recipe) is the traditional way to counter the acidity. You can also add a pinch of baking soda, stirring well and tasting to adjust. Be cautious not to add too much, as it can affect the flavor.
**Q: My sauce tastes bitter. What did I do wrong?**
A: Bitterness can sometimes come from scorched garlic or over-reduced tomato paste. Make sure to keep the heat low when sautéing the garlic, and stir the sauce frequently to prevent sticking. If the paste is burnt, consider adding a little brown sugar or honey.
**Q: Can I add cheese to the sauce while it’s simmering?**
A: Adding Parmesan cheese rinds (the hard outer edge) to the sauce while it simmers adds a lovely umami flavor. Remove the rinds before serving.