marinara sauce

Ingredients

• 1
• 2
• pounds
• canned
• crushed
• tomatoes
• 1
• large
• onion
• chopped
• 2
• cloves
• garlic
• minced
• 2
• tablespoons
• olive oil
• 1
• teaspoon
• dried
• basil
• 1/2
• teaspoon
• sugar
• Salt
• to taste
• Fresh basil
• chopped
• for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes. Stir in dried basil and sugar.
5. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil (optional). Serve over pasta or use in other recipes.

Notes

• For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend it after simmering.
• Simmering longer develops deeper flavors. Don't be afraid to let it simmer for an hour or more.
• Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months).
• A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat.
• To enhance the flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the garlic.