Embrace Italian Cooking: Carla Vigos’ Signature Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Introduction: A Fond Culinary Memory

Growing up in an Italian household, Sundays were synonymous with sauce-making for Carla Vigos, the Laguna Woods Globe cooking columnist. The inviting aroma of a simmering sauce filled her home, creating a nostalgic backdrop for family gatherings. A simple meal of spaghetti, paired with a slice of Italian bread and a glass of red wine, became a cherished tradition. This article dives into Vigos’ signature spaghetti sauce recipe, blending rich flavors and comforting memories that readers can replicate in their own kitchens.

The Essence of Italian Cooking

In Italian cuisine, sauce is more than just an accompaniment; it’s the heart of the meal. Vigos emphasizes the importance of personalizing the sauce, whether it be a hearty meat sauce brimming with flavor or a light, meatless marinara. Encouraging readers to taste their sauce as they cook allows for adjustments in seasoning, ensuring each batch meets personal preferences.

Ingredients That Make a Difference

Creating a rich spaghetti sauce starts with high-quality ingredients. Vigos’ recipe features:

2 pounds of Italian sausage (hot or mild)
1 large onion, diced
8 garlic cloves, chopped
6 Roma tomatoes, chopped
16 ounces mushrooms, sliced
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
5 cans of 15-ounce tomato sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
Dried oregano and basil
8 ounces red wine
Olive oil for sautéing
Optional crushed red pepper for added spice

By using these fresh ingredients, you create a sauce filled with robust flavors, appealing to both the palate and the soul.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

To make this delectable spaghetti sauce, follow these easy steps:

Prepare the Sausage: Remove the Italian sausage from its casing. In a large sauce pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, cooking until it’s browned and crumbly. Once done, remove it from the pot and drain excess fat.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the diced onions, chopped tomatoes, and sliced mushrooms until they soften, optionally adding a pinch of crushed red pepper for an extra kick. After about 5-7 minutes, add the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine, and season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and basil.
Simmer with Love: Let the sauce simmer on low heat, partially covered, for 2-3 hours. This slow cooking process allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating a sauce that’s rich and satisfying.
Taste and Adjust: As your sauce simmers, occasionally taste it. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a hint of sugar if needed, depending on the acidity of your tomatoes. The goal is to create a balanced and flavorful sauce that speaks to your tastes.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Vigos’ spaghetti sauce can be enjoyed over any pasta or used with ravioli, making it versatile for various meals. A bowl of spaghetti topped with this sauce, alongside a slice of Italian bread, brings warmth and comfort to the table. To ensure you always have some on hand, consider freezing portions of the sauce. It thaws beautifully, allowing you to enjoy a homemade Italian meal anytime.

Conclusion: The Joy of Family and Food

Carla Vigos’ spaghetti sauce recipe embodies the essence of Italian cooking and the beauty of family traditions. The rich flavors, the act of cooking, and the memories made around the dinner table all play a vital role in creating lasting connections. This recipe serves not just as a guide, but as an invitation to embrace the art of cooking and savor the delightful moments shared with loved ones. Mangia!