Description
This easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is rich with fresh tomato flavor, enhanced by the smoky depth of smoked turkey bacon and thickened naturally for a perfect texture. Ideal for pasta nights, it offers a wholesome, vibrant base that is simple to make and versatile for various dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, diced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (such as pectin or agar)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grape juice (natural)
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for vegetable boost
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 fresh chili, chopped for spicy twist
- Fresh thyme or rosemary as herb swap
- 1/2 cup cooked ground smoked turkey for meaty upgrade
- Doubling mushrooms and omitting smoked turkey bacon for vegan option
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice fresh tomatoes, chop onions and garlic, and slice smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Having all ingredients ready ensures a smooth cooking process.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat olive oil over medium heat, add onion and garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant. Then add smoked turkey bacon and sauté until slightly crispy to release its smoky flavor.
- Add Fresh Tomatoes and Grape Juice: Stir in diced tomatoes and grape juice, then let the mixture simmer to allow tomatoes to break down and combine with the smoky bacon base.
- Season and Thicken: Add fresh basil, oregano, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Gradually sprinkle in the natural gelling agent while stirring until the sauce reaches the desired thickness without overpowering the tomato essence.
- Simmer Until Flavorful and Thick: Cook the sauce gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow simmering melds the flavors into a rich, robust sauce.
Notes
- Use the freshest tomatoes to enhance the sauce’s natural flavor.
- Slow simmering deepens and enriches the taste.
- Add natural gelling agent gradually to avoid over-thickening.
- Grape juice balances the acidity of tomatoes beautifully.
- Let the sauce rest off heat before serving to intensify flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: homemade spaghetti sauce, smoked turkey bacon sauce, tomato pasta sauce, Italian sauce recipe, plant-based thickened sauce, easy spaghetti sauce