Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (or 4-5 fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar or 1 small grated carrot
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: splash of red wine, bay leaf
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 2-3 minutes to caramelize.
- Add crushed tomatoes, herbs, optional wine or bay leaf, and season with salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook uncovered for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaf and blend if desired.
- Serve over pasta, or store for later use.
Notes
- Add fresh herbs at the end for a bright aroma.
- Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
- Freeze in portions for easy weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Main sauce / Pasta sauce
- Method: Stovetop simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg