Mom's Best Spaghetti Sauce

This secret ingredient spaghetti sauce is made with tomato, mushrooms, and a bit of baking soda for a rich, dark sauce finished with Parmesan cheese.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 4 hr 15 mins
• Total Time: 4 hr 35 mins
• Calories: 170 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 cups water
• 2 onions, chopped
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 (14.5 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
• 4 cups fresh sliced mushrooms
• 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 4 teaspoons white sugar
• 4 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• 2 pinches baking soda, divided
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Mix together whole tomatoes, mushrooms, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, onions, basil, garlic, sugar, 1 pinch of baking soda, salt, and pepper in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat while stirring, then reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for at least 4 hours.

Step 2

Stir in remaining pinch of baking soda; sauce will foam. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick and almost brown. Make sure to scrape the sides of the pan into the sauce.

Step 3

Stir in Parmesan cheese. Taste sauce: if too tangy or acidic, add another pinch of baking soda and simmer for 30 more minutes.

Step 4

Let sauce cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight. Reheat the next day and serve.

Step 5

Gather all ingredients.