A traditional Italian spaghetti sauce prepared the simple way, using ripe tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and gentle herbs. This basic sauce follows grandma’s kitchen wisdom—made plain so it can be stored safely and adapted fresh each time according to need.
Why This Sauce Is Kept Simple
In traditional kitchens, sauces were prepared without extra additions so they could be preserved for a few days. Vegetables, meat, or cream were added only at the time of serving, ensuring better digestion, safety, and freshness. This recipe follows the same principle.
Ingredients (Basic Sauce for Storage)
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic – 4 cloves, finely chopped
- Ripe tomatoes – 4 to 5, finely chopped (or 1 can crushed tomatoes – 400 g)
- Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon
- Dried basil – 1 teaspoon
- Sugar – 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Fresh basil leaves – optional
Preparation Method
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes) and mix well.
- Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar if using.
- Reduce heat and simmer gently for 20–30 minutes.
- Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens and oil lightly separates.
- Finish with fresh basil and turn off the heat.
How to Use This Sauce
This is a plain base sauce. It can be used directly with cooked spaghetti or any pasta, stored for later use, and modified fresh each time. Variations should always be added while reheating, not before storing.
Variations – How to Use Them Correctly
Vegetable Version
Add vegetables only while reheating the sauce. Sauté mushrooms or bell peppers separately, then mix them into the heated sauce and simmer briefly. This version is best for fresh meals and added nutrition.
Protein Version
Cook minced chicken or beef separately and add it to the sauce while reheating. Let it simmer for a few minutes before serving. This makes the meal more filling and suitable for lunch or dinner.
Creamy Version
Switch off the stove and stir in 2–3 tablespoons of fresh cream. This creates a mild, soft flavour and should be consumed fresh. It is not suitable for storage.
Storage & Shelf Life
Plain Tomato Sauce (Without Variations)
Refrigerate for 4–5 days or freeze for up to one month. This is the safest version for bulk preparation and preserving.
Sauce With Vegetables
Refrigerate only and use within 2–3 days.
Sauce With Meat
Refrigerate only and consume within 24–48 hours.
Sauce With Cream
Best used immediately. If stored, consume within 24 hours.
Nutrition Notes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, supporting heart health and immunity. Olive oil provides healthy fats that support digestion. Garlic and onion aid gut health and natural immunity, while herbs add antioxidants without making the dish heavy.
Grandma’s Kitchen Wisdom
Prepare the sauce plain, store it safely, and add fresh ingredients only at the time of serving. This keeps the food wholesome, light, and nourishing.
My Grandma’s Healthy School 