Homemade Italian Red Sauce

Ingredients

• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Onion (1 medium, chopped)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Canned crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
• Dried basil (1 teaspoon)
• Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
• Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon (adjust for spice preference))
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Sugar (1 teaspoon)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, ensuring the paste is fully dissolved.
4. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
5. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. After 45 minutes, remove the lid and stir in the freshly chopped basil. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, sugar, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
8. Serve the red sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it as a base for dishes like lasagna or baked ziti.