Homemade Spaghetti Sauce!

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   In a large saucepan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the Tomatoes
   Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well to combine. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can use diced tomatoes instead.
3. Season the Sauce
   Add the sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer
   Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together—feel free to simmer for up to 1 hour for a richer flavor.
5. Adjust Seasoning
   Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it tastes too acidic, you can add a little more sugar.
6. Serve
   Serve the homemade spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for the Best Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

1. Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to substitute fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for the dried versions. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
2. Protein Options: For a meat sauce, brown 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage with the onions before adding the tomatoes.
3. Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Keep it vegetarian or vegan by omitting meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for additional flavor.