Life on a budget: Homemade Pasta Sauce

I was rather dismayed the other day when I went grocery and found that my favorite pasta sauce had gone up in price. I’ve been use to the “2 for 1” deal for so long that going back to paying full price pained me—I just couldn’t do it. I am picky about my sauce, and I didn’t want to buy a different brand. I left the store empty-handed, think that maybe pasta would be off the menu until the price(s) go back down. But these days, that’s just not realistic.

Before the recession, like many people, I went for things that were quick, or quicker. Not fast food quick, but let’s face it, when the fam is hungry and the dinner rush is on, it’s nice to be able to pop open a quality jar of spaghetti sauce without having to make it myself. Not so, these days. If it will save me some cash and won’t take me much longer to cook, I’d rather make it myself.

My solution? Homemade pasta sauce—for much less money and with ingredients that you most likely already have sitting in your pantry or kitchen. There is something about this that I love; knowing exactly what is going into my food—no preservatives, controlled salt content—love, love, love it! This recipe is pseudo bolognese in style with the carrot. If you looking for strictly marinara, simply omit the carrot.

Homemade Pasta Sauce

2 Tbs. olive oil

½ onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced (I love garlic, but you can add less if you like)

2 carrots, diced

1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes (.99 if you get them on a deal)

½ tsp. salt, or to taste

1 tsp. brown sugar

1 Tbs. oregano

1 tsp. basil

Pepper

Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Sauté onion and carrots until soft over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper and stirring so the onions don’t burn.

2. Add garlic and sauté about 2 minutes more.

3. Add all other ingredients and allow to simmer on low heat until sauce is a bit thicker and some of the liquid has evaporated. Use a potato masher to mash tomatoes. Serve with your favorite pasta and top with parmesan cheese!