A delightful and rich tomato basil sauce perfect for pasta or as a base for other dishes.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Using extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor of the sauce.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until softened.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Stir in the salt, pepper, and oregano, allowing the spices to bloom.
Blooming the spices in oil releases their full flavor.
Add the crushed tomatoes and sugar, stirring to combine.
Using high-quality tomatoes makes a noticeable difference in taste.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
Simmering slowly allows the flavors to meld together.
Simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Stirring occasionally prevents the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Add the fresh basil leaves in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Adding basil at the end preserves its fresh flavor.
Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta or use as desired.
Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
