Tomato Sauce

 Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion finely diced
• 3-5 cloves garlic minced or put through a garlic press
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• pinch red pepper flakes about 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 pat butter, about 2 teaspoons
• 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup water
• Small can of tomato paste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil over high heat until it shimmers. Saute the onions, stirring frequently, until they soften and shine, about three minutes. The onions should sizzle and hiss as they cook. Add the garlic. Stir to combine. This prevents the garlic from burning. Cook an additional two minutes. Add the basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and sugar. Stir to combine. Add the butter. Stir, cook for about a minute.

2. Add 1/2 can of the crushed tomatoes. Scrape the bottom of the pan to remove any stuck on bits. Reduce heat to low. Add remaining tomatoes and paste. Stir in 1/4 cup water. If the sauce seems too thick, add additional water.

3. Allow sauce to simmer for 10 minutes to up to one hour. If simmering for a longer, stir the sauce occasionally and add additional water as needed to keep the sauce at the correct consistency.