Homemade Big Pot Sauce Recipe

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4.56 (15)
Homemade Big Pot Sauce Recipe
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
60 mins
Total Time:
80mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on December 01, 2023

Learn how to make a flavorful big pot sauce from scratch with this easy recipe. This sauce is perfect for serving over pasta, meatballs, or as a base for various Italian dishes. Made with a combination of fresh herbs, tomatoes, and spices, this homemade sauce will take your meals to the next level. Prepare this sauce in a big pot and enjoy the rich aroma filling your kitchen as the flavors come together. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a versatile and delicious sauce that will become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a big pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
  4. Add the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  5. Place the bay leaf in the pot and give the sauce a stir.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the sauce cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. After 45 minutes, remove the lid and stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Continue to simmer the sauce for an additional 15 minutes, uncovered.
  8. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  9. Remove the bay leaf from the sauce before serving.
  10. Serve the big pot sauce over pasta, meatballs, or use it as a base for other Italian dishes.

Interesting Facts

  • The longer the sauce simmers, the more flavorful it becomes. If you have the time, let it cook for a couple of hours for even better taste.
  • The addition of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the overall flavor of the sauce.
  • Feel free to customize the sauce by adding your favorite vegetables or meats. It's a versatile base for creating various dishes.
  • Leftover big pot sauce can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for later use.
  • This recipe yields enough sauce to feed a crowd. You can halve the ingredients if you want a smaller batch.