Homemade Red Sauce

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A rich, flavorful red sauce is a kitchen staple, perfect for pairing with pasta, topping pizza, or serving as a base for various dishes like lasagna and eggplant Parmesan. Making your own red sauce from scratch is easy and allows you to control the ingredients and flavor. This recipe offers a classic Italian-style tomato sauce that’s both versatile and delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (or whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand)
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for serving)
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Aromatics:
    • Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent.
    • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
  2. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
    • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste until well combined.
    • Add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
    • If you’re using a bay leaf, add it to the sauce at this point.
    • If your tomatoes are particularly acidic, you can add 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
  3. Simmer the Sauce:
    • Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
    • Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will develop. You can simmer it for up to an hour for a richer flavor.
    • If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
  4. Taste and Adjust:
    • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.
    • If you used a bay leaf, remove it before serving.
  5. Serve:
    • Stir in the fresh basil just before serving for a burst of freshness, if using.
    • Serve the red sauce over pasta, in lasagna, on pizza, or as a dipping sauce.
    • Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for Success:

  • Fresh vs. Canned Tomatoes: If you have fresh, ripe tomatoes, you can use them in place of canned. Simply blanch, peel, and crush them before adding to the sauce.
  • Customizing Flavor: Feel free to customize the sauce by adding ingredients like a splash of red wine, chopped bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra depth.
  • Storing and Freezing: This sauce stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week or can be frozen for up to three months. Make a big batch and freeze portions for easy future meals.

Conclusion:

This homemade red sauce is a delicious, versatile recipe that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its deep, rich flavor is a testament to the simple yet powerful combination of tomatoes, herbs, and aromatics. Whether you’re making pasta, pizza, or anything in between, this sauce will elevate your dish to the next level. Enjoy the satisfaction of homemade sauce made with love!

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