Tomato sauce variations

[Argamemnon]

I'm looking for some tasty variations of the basic tomato sauce. Any suggestions?

[kitchenelf]

I like to saute some onions, celery, and matchstick carrots to add to mine along with just a tad of balsamic vinegar. You have to be VERY careful about adding the vinegar!!!!!!

I like to make it really thick with tomato paste and then thin it out with a robust red wine adding a bit more about 15 minutes before done so the flavor is more present at the end.

I will also add some vodka and chili flakes for a Fra Diavolo sauce.

Of course there's all those other traditional flavors in the above variations too i.e., garlic, oregano, basil.

I also like to use ground pork instead of ground beef for a meat sauce. And I like to use a combination of beef, pork, and veal when making meatballs and use milk as the wetting agent.

[Argamemnon]

I usually add sauteed onions, garlic, carrots and some basil, oregano/thyme, salt and pepper, but I wonder if leeks or zucchini would be a good idea.

[kitchenelf]

I don't see why not. I use thicker matchstick cut zucchini sometimes in my chili - it's great! I think leeks would be great too!

I used to make this dish where I used to work that was a simple marinara but it was surrounded by grilled veggies (zucchini, squash, asparagus, green beans, I can't remember what else) so I think any of those would make a great vegetarian-type/vegetable spaghetti sauce.

I know this is off topic but most of the time when I do a vegetable pasta like this I just use olive oil, garlic, and kosher salt as my "sauce". But tomato sauce with all of the above sure can't be bad!!!!

[Argamemnon]

Thanks for the suggestion

[Finmar001]

Use fresh tomatoes, of course

[Calya]

I use a can of whole tomatoes and pulse them in a blender with lots of garlic, fresh or roasted peppers, basil, oregano, salt, pepper and some olive oil. Then I simmer the sauce in a pan while the pasta is cooking. When the pasta is done, I put it in the sauce, mixt it and it's done! The peppers really change the flavor.

[TATTRAT]

finish with vodka and cream for a nice vodka sauce.

I like to add a little fresh rosemary, cubed fresh mozzarella, and white wine. Just heat until the cheese is warmed through.

Just add really nice olive oil and fresh basil for alla Checca.

[expatgirl]

I like to add red wine, mozzarella, basil, Italian spices and clams.......

[GotGarlic]

Our standard spaghetti sauce goes like this: Brown a pound of ground beef, pour off fat, and saute a couple teaspoons' worth of minced garlic and about a half-cup each of chopped onions and red and green peppers. Add about 3 cups of crushed tomatoes and a half tsp. each of dried oregano and basil, or when we have fresh herbs, 1 1/2 tsp. each of fresh oregano and basil. Salt and pepper to taste.