Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a little slice of Italy? This homemade Italian-style red sauce is about to become your culinary secret weapon! Imagine a rich, velvety sauce that captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking - no fancy ingredients, just pure, simple deliciousness that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this foolproof recipe will elevate your pasta game and transport you straight to the heart of Italy with just one spoonful.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop. This will make the cooking process smoother and more organized.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers, indicating that it's ready for cooking.
- Add 1 chopped onion to the pan. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor base for your sauce.
- Next, add 2 minced cloves of garlic to the pan. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. The garlic should become fragrant, but not browned.
- Pour in 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes into the saucepan. Stir the mixture well to combine the onions and garlic with the tomatoes.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of sugar. The sugar will help balance the acidity of the tomatoes, while the oregano adds a classic Italian flavor.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each, and adjust according to your preference as the sauce cooks.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer by increasing the heat slightly. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer. Cover the saucepan with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar to allow steam to escape.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
- After the cooking time is complete, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or sugar depending on your taste.
- Once the sauce is done, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly before using it in your favorite pasta dishes, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Enjoy your homemade Italian style red sauce with pasta, pizza, or as a base for other Italian dishes!
Tips
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes - they're the foundation of your sauce's flavor.
- Don't rush the onion and garlic sauté; taking time to caramelize them builds deep, rich flavor.
- The sugar is a secret weapon - it balances the tomatoes' acidity without making the sauce sweet.
- Low and slow is the key to developing complex flavors - be patient during simmering.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried oregano if you have them on hand.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of red wine during cooking.
- The sauce freezes beautifully, so make a double batch and save some for later.
- Let the sauce cool completely before storing to maintain its best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
