Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (you can substitute with avocado oil if preferred)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or a handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth (to thin sauce if needed)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. I always think about Mama Lou here, how she’d gently swirl the oil around the pan before adding anything else, as if coaxing the flavors to wake up slowly.
- Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. The kitchen instantly fills with a sweet aroma that always reminds me of family dinners.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to brown it—garlic burns easily and turns bitter.
- Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes with their juice. I like to crush them gently with my hands or a spoon to release their juices and break them down. My sister Ouma always says, “Feel the sauce, Sofia!”—it’s a little ritual that brings us closer to the food.
- Add the tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan partially, leaving a small opening to let steam escape, and let it simmer gently for at least 45 minutes. The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavor—a secret Mama Lou swore by.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add up to 1/2 cup of water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Just before serving, stir in fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
