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Meatless Spaghetti Sauce

This is a simple, bright fennel and tomato sauce good for pasta, polenta or grits. 

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 164 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup fennel, finely chopped
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, chopped
  • salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup ouzo or other anise-flavored liqueur
  • 1 quart tomato sauce seeded, crushed tomatoes or chopped fresh tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons fennel fronds or mint, chopped
  • parmesan, pecorino or mizythra cheese to garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Tip: If you don't want to, or don't think you can, mince the onion and fennel bulb very small, roughly chop them and pulse in a food processor until they are very well chopped, but not a puree.
  2. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a wide, deep pan or a large pot. When the oil is hot, add the fennel and onion and sweat them slowly until they are very soft, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle some salt over everything while they are cooking. Stir occasionally, and don't let the vegetables brown -- turn down the heat if you need to. Add the garlic and cook for another minute or two.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook this for another few minutes.
  4. Kick the heat up to medium high, and pour in the ouzo. Let this boil until it is reduced by half. Add the tomatoes and mix well. Taste for salt and add some if needed. Let this simmer gently for 20 minutes.
  5. Optional Step: The following is optional, but makes a better sauce for long pasta like spaghetti. Pour the sauce into a blender or food processor and puree. If you are going to serve this sauce with short pasta, like penne or bowties, you can skip this step.
  6. Right before you serve, stir in the fennel fronds or mint. Serve with grated cheese and a light red wine like a Sangiovese or a Grenache.

Notes

  • NOTE: For timing, start your hot water for the pasta right when you begin making this sauce. By the time it boils, you'll be ready to cook your pasta. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 164kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 14g (5%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 835mg (35%) Potassium 604mg (17%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 10g (20%) Vitamin A 738IU (15%) Vitamin C 14mg (16%) Calcium 33mg (3%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 164

% Daily Value*

Calories 164kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 14g 5%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 835mg 35%
Potassium 604mg 13%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 10g 20%
Vitamin A 738IU 15%
Vitamin C 14mg 16%
Calcium 33mg 3%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.