Making spaghetti sauce from scratch can seem like a daunting task, especially when you’re short on time or ingredients. However, using tomato soup as a base for your spaghetti sauce can be a game-changer. Not only does it simplify the process, but it also brings a unique flavor profile to the sauce. In this blog, we’ll explore how to make a delicious and easy spaghetti sauce using tomato soup. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why Use Tomato Soup?
Tomato soup is a convenient ingredient that many people already have in their pantry. It provides a smooth, creamy texture that can serve as an excellent base for a quick and easy spaghetti sauce. The slightly sweet and tangy flavor of tomato soup can complement the savory spices and ingredients typically found in spaghetti sauce, creating a balanced and tasty dish. Plus, using tomato soup cuts down on the number of ingredients you need, making the preparation process much simpler.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the steps, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need:
1 can of tomato soup: This will serve as the base of your sauce.
1 can of diced tomatoes: Adds texture and enhances the tomato flavor.
1 small onion, finely chopped: For a subtle sweetness and added depth.
2 cloves of garlic, minced: Essential for that classic Italian flavor.
2 tablespoons of olive oil: To sauté the onions and garlic.
1 teaspoon of dried basil: Adds an aromatic, herby flavor.
1 teaspoon of dried oregano: Another classic herb that pairs well with tomatoes.
1/2 teaspoon of sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning.
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat.
1/2 cup of water or broth: To thin the sauce if necessary.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions. Sauté the onions for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent. This process helps to release the natural sweetness of the onions, which will add depth to your sauce.
Next, add the minced garlic to the pan. Garlic cooks quickly, so only sauté it for about 1 minute or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 2: Add the Tomato Soup and Diced Tomatoes
Once the onions and garlic are sautéed, it’s time to add the tomato soup. Pour the can of tomato soup into the pan and stir to combine it with the onions and garlic. Then, add the can of diced tomatoes, including the juice. The diced tomatoes will give your sauce a chunkier texture, which pairs well with the smoothness of the tomato soup.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
With the tomato soup and diced tomatoes in the pan, it’s time to season your sauce. Add the dried basil, oregano, and sugar to the mixture. The basil and oregano will infuse the sauce with classic Italian flavors, while the sugar helps to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
If you prefer a bit of heat, now is the time to add the red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until the spices are well distributed throughout the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
After seasoning, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. If you find that the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can gradually add water or broth, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Be sure to stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
After the sauce has simmered, give it a taste. This is your chance to adjust the seasoning. If the sauce needs more salt, pepper, or sugar, add it now. If you want a richer flavor, you can stir in some grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding a creamy, savory note that complements the tomato base.
Step 6: Serve with Spaghetti
Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to serve it with spaghetti. Cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the sauce over the spaghetti and toss to coat the noodles evenly.
For a final touch, you can sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Tips for Customizing Your Spaghetti Sauce
While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily customize your spaghetti sauce with tomato soup to suit your taste preferences or to use up ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:
Add Meat: For a heartier sauce, brown some ground beef, sausage, or turkey in the pan before adding the onions and garlic. This will give your sauce a rich, meaty flavor.
Vegetable Boost: Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté the vegetables along with the onions and garlic.
Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a creamy tomato sauce. This is especially delicious if you’ve added spicy elements like red pepper flakes.
Wine: Add a splash of red wine to the sauce as it simmers for an extra layer of flavor. The wine will reduce and concentrate, adding depth to the sauce.
Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves. Fresh herbs can also be added at the end for a burst of freshness.
Conclusion
Making spaghetti sauce with tomato soup is a quick, easy, and delicious way to get dinner on the table without a lot of fuss. The creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor of the tomato soup create a wonderful base that pairs perfectly with traditional Italian herbs and spices. Whether you’re in a pinch or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, with so many ways to customize it, you can tailor the sauce to your personal tastes or make it different every time.
So the next time you’re craving spaghetti but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, grab a can of tomato soup and get cooking!
Social Plugin