Tomato sauce or spaghetti sauce is my favorite over pasta or spaghetti. Now, however, convenient canned items are, I still have reservations on the canned things I buy. For frozen items I have forced myself to accept them for their convenience and some because I have no choice. The only canned items I stock up are beans (garbanzo, black beans, etc. ), diced tomatoes, pineapples and may be a couple of other things.

The recent addition has been canned crushed tomatoes. I have seen pretty much every food network host use it over the past few years, but since I always use store bought sauce I have never thought about buying these cans until recently. The sauce is very simple to make and I have added mushrooms because the family loves mushrooms. I can see me using crushed tomatoes the next time I make pav bhaji. OK, so now I am craving for those.

I also tend to go over board when I like something and that should explain why I currently have 4 big cans of these in the basement much to K’s surprise. In fact, he hurriedly came to me the other day and started saying that I have 4 of these cans, 12 of the other kind and so on as if I did not know !!. Thankfully, these canned items do not get spoilt easily and I am always happy to have a supply on hand. Off to the recipe.

Spaghetti with home made sauce.

 Ingredients
1 tsp + 2 tsp olive oil
2 cups chopped mushrooms
2 garlic cloves
1/4 cup chopped onion
28oz can crushed tomatoes (See Notes)
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp italian seasoning
Salt
Pepper

My Notes
1. Use any dry herb of choice.
2. If using fresh tomatoes, blanch and puree the tomatoes.
3. It keeps well for a few days in the fridge.
4. Olive oil is preferred, but use any oil on hand.

Method
Heat 1 tsp olive oil and add the mushrooms. Saute until the mushrooms wilt down.

Mushrooms are done. Remove and keep aside.

To the same vessel add 2 tsp olive oil and add the onions and garlic.

Onions and garlic are cooked.

Add the crushed tomatoes and cooked mushrooms. Bring to a boil.

Add dried basil, italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

Simmer for 15 minutes for the flavors to mingle.

Tasty sauce ready to have with pasta or spaghetti.

Enjoy!

Linking to Basics, Tips & Tricks.