Gordon Ramsay Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Making a great meal doesn't have to be hard. This Gordon Ramsay Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is the perfect example. It is simple, rich, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 3 cloves of garlic peeled and crushed
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste purée
- 2 cans 14 oz each of crushed tomatoes or San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 small bunch of fresh basil leaves torn
- 1 teaspoon sea salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional for heat
- 1 teaspoon sugar only if tomatoes are too acidic
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in your large pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions. Cook them for about five minutes until they are soft and translucent. Do not let them brown.
Add the Garlic and Spices
- Stir in the crushed garlic and dried oregano. If you like a little kick, add the chili flakes now. Cook for one minute until you smell the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen.
Stir in Tomato Paste
- Add the tablespoon of tomato paste to the center of the pan. Stir it into the onions and garlic for two minutes. This step deepens the color and adds a rich, savory "umami" flavor.
Pour in the Tomatoes
- Carefully pour the canned tomatoes into the pan. Stir everything together well. Use your wooden spoon to break up any large chunks of tomato if you are using whole ones.
Season and Simmer
- Add the salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if needed. Turn the heat down to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for 20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together perfectly.
Finish with Fresh Basil
- Once the sauce is thick and rich, turn off the heat. Stir in the freshly torn basil leaves. The heat from the sauce will release the basil's oil and scent without wilting it too much.
Toss with Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti until it is al dente. Reserve a little pasta water. Toss the noodles directly into the sauce and serve hot.
Notes
- Use the Pasta Water: Always save a splash of the salty cooking water. Stir it into the sauce to help it stick to the noodles better.
- Add Meat: You can brown some ground beef or Italian sausage with the onions for a hearty meat sauce.
- Wine Deglazing: Pour in a splash of dry red wine after sautéing the onions. It adds a professional depth of flavor.
- Vegetable Boost: Grate a carrot or zucchini into the sauce. It adds nutrients and a natural sweetness that kids won't even notice.
- Fresh vs Dried: Use dried oregano for the base but always use fresh basil at the very end for the best taste.