Is There Any Reason Why Someone Would Want to Make Their Own Spaghetti Sauce Instead of Just Using Jarred Pasta Sauce?
As a chemist and an avid cook, I've been making my own spaghetti sauce since I was a teenager. It's not just about the taste—it's about the love you put into it. Making your own sauce allows you to control exactly what goes into it, ensuring it meets your and your family's preferences and dietary needs.
Key Benefits of Making Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
1. Total Control over Ingredients
One of the biggest advantages of making your own sauce is knowing exactly what you're putting into it. Unless you're a chemist or a food science expert, most of the ingredients listed on jarred sauces can be unclear. Frankly, even a chemist like me might not understand some of those terms!
For example, mono and diglycerides of fatty acids and dl ascorbic acid—terms that are not only complex but also often serve as preservatives rather than flavor enhancers. But don't worry, even if you're not a chemist, the ingredients in homemade sauces are simple and easy to understand.
2. Superior Taste
Selecting fresh, quality ingredients can elevate the taste of your homemade sauce. The subtle nuances of fresh herbs, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic garlic can result in a much more flavorful sauce compared to mass-produced, jarred versions.
3. Adapting to Taste Preferences
Homemade sauces allow you to personalize them based on your taste. You can adjust the formula to suit your preferences. Do you enjoy a bit more lemon and olive oil, or do you like a spicier kick with a little red pepper flakes? With homemade sauces, you have the flexibility to experiment and tailor the taste according to your liking.
4. Personal Pride and Accomplishment
There's a sense of accomplishment that comes with making your own sauce. Cooking from scratch is not just about the meal but about the enjoyment of the process. It's a way to express creativity and bond with your family over a shared culinary journey.
The Baseline Recipe: A Family-Heirloom Spaghetti Sauce
I often refer to my grandmother's (Nona) sauce recipe. Here it is:
Ingredients:
Garlic (amount to taste) Extra virgin olive oil Cans of whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes A small dash of red pepper flakes (optional) Salt Black pepper Parmaggiano-Reggiano or other decent Parmesan cheeseSteps:
Chop the garlic to your liking. Heat a pan on medium low and add olive oil. Add the garlic and let it cook until aromatic. Add the whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, crushing them with the back of a wooden spoon to break them into smaller pieces. Boil salted water and cook the pasta to al dente. Set a portion of the pasta water aside for later use. Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Use the reserved pasta water to help thicken the sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce cool slightly as the starches from the pasta water thicken the sauce. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and garnish with torn basil leaves and Parmesan cheese.The total active time is about five minutes, with the majority of cooking happening during the pasta's cooking time. This recipe is foolproof and can be adapted to various pasta dishes. It serves as a foundation for many other tomato-based sauces.
Simple and Wholesome Ingredients
Homemade sauces are made with simple, basic, wholesome ingredients. Unlike jars filled with preservatives, artificial colors, and flavor enhancers, homemade sauces are all natural and delightful. Quality ingredients should be the focus, and they should shine through in the final dish. Authentic Italian cuisine prioritizes preparation using high-quality ingredients that enhance the natural flavors without the need for additional seasoning.
A Traditional and Fun Cooking Experience
Cooking like this isn't just for grandmothers—it's something everyone can enjoy. It's a fun and straightforward way to explore traditional Italian recipes. My family learned to cook this from a young age, just as we learned to boil an egg. It forms the basis of my culinary knowledge, and it's still my go-to when I want to cook a simple, delicious meal.
From making a simple tomato sauce to cooking more complex dishes like ragu, the fundamental techniques are the same. Cooking is not only a skill but also a cultural experience. It's a way to pass down traditions and enjoy the joy of creating delicious meals with loved ones.
Conclusion
Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner, making your own spaghetti sauce can be a rewarding experience. It's about creating something unique and flavorful, and it's about the joy of cooking. So, the next time you're in the kitchen, why not give your homemade sauce a try?