pasta sauce recipes

kunekune

My method for a 'basic' tomato sauce would be -

Finely chop an onion, and soften in olive oil. If you have some bacon, chop that and add it too. Add a finely 2 sticks of celery, finely chopped and a 2 carrots, finely chopped (I do it this way cos of the kids). Continue to cook for a little bit, and add a glug of lazy garlic. Now pour in 1-2 cartons of chopped tomatoes (I use whatever there is - passata or the little tetrapacks of chopped tomatoes from Sainsburys). Add some dried herbs - my preference is for oregano and thyme - beef stock and a couple of glugs of red wine. Now simmer for at least 20 minutes.

I don't know how it compares for cost, but it would make the equivalent of at least 2 jars of bought sauce and tastes much much better. I use the same method for bolognese, just add the mince at the appropriate time and slightly increase the amount of stock to make it meatier. Also, I add chicken livers if I've got some and chopped peppers.

Newday_2

Hi I do the basic tomato sauce as above but I also throw in frozen shopped spinach. That way we get the veg and no one seems to notice it

Dawn

filigree_2

I agree with the recipes suggested, but instead of tinned tomatoes I suggest getting some passata from Lidl - about 29p for 500ml. It has a richer texture than cheap tinned tomatoes.

bandraoi

All the recipes above sound good.
I find a shot or two of cream makes any sauce richer and tastier
and a tablespoon of sugar takes some of the acidity out of the tomatoes.

Garnet_Gem

I make tomato sauces for pasta and chilli dishes. The basic sauce is tinned chopped tomatoes (lidls), garlic, onion, red pepper, tomato puree, grated carrot, salt and pepper. Add chilli if it's for con carne or mexican dishes. Blend and freeze. Costs very little and tastes better than the jars you can buy (although being an MSE'er I've never bought the expensive brands).

two_sheds_2

filigree wrote: »

I agree with the recipes suggested, but instead of tinned tomatoes I suggest getting some passata from Lidl - about 29p for 500ml. It has a richer texture than cheap tinned tomatoes.

Ditto. We grow tomatoes and chillis for our own sauce, but Passata is a good substitute. Tin toms are usually too watery.

Rachel021967

Thanks for the ideas. I'll try the recipes you have given.

ruby6kids

i get ours from asda, its own value brand
tastes fine

SomethingWitty_2

From the student kitchen :

- Fry an onion or two, add chopped mushrooms, maybe a courgette or other veg if you're that way inclined,

- then a tin or two of toms, add mixed herbs, and, crucially, a dollop of pesto (cheap from lidl lasts weeks in the fridge).

- Finish with a tiny splash of vinegar and a small spoon of mild chili.

If you are making bolognese it should be great, but if you need it to be that bit thicker, add some stock or a spoon of gravy granules near the end when its reducing down. If its not rich enough, a spoon of ketchup works well i find, takes off the acidity.

Rachel021967

Sounds delicious Somethingwitty. I'll definitely give it a try. Thanks.