Classic Tomato Sauce for Pasta

Ingredients

• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Fresh tomatoes (6 cups, diced (about 8-10 medium tomatoes))
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
• Dried basil (1 teaspoon)
• Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1 teaspoon, or to taste)
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste)
• Sugar (1 teaspoon (to balance acidity))
• Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated (for serving))

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the diced fresh tomatoes and tomato paste to the saucepan, stirring to combine.
5. Season the mixture with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Mix well.
6. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
7. After 20 minutes, remove the lid and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
8. Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves just before serving for a burst of flavor.
9. Serve the tomato sauce over your favorite cooked pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.