Grandma Maggio'S Spaghetti Sauce

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Grandma Maggio'S Spaghetti Sauce to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Grandma Maggio'S Spaghetti Sauce, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 whole head garlic, peeled and
• chopped
• 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• leaves, or to taste
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled
• tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 3/4 cup Merlot wine
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/4 cup white sugar

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

• Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
• Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
• Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat, and cook and stir the onion and garlic until translucent but not browned, 6 to 7 minutes

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Stir in the mushrooms and basil, and cook and stir until the basil is wilted and the mushrooms are cooked through and have given up their juices, about 10 minutes

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes, and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring and chopping the tomatoes into pieces with a spoon

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir, crushing any large pieces of tomato left, and bring to a simmer

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened and bubbling, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Stir the tomato paste into the sauce, and fill the empty tomato paste can with Merlot wine, stirring to dissolve any remaining tomato paste in the can