The Best Homemade Tomato Sauce Ever

• Serves: 12 servings of sauce
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 90 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
• 1 Can (32 oz) Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or a handful of freshly cut basil leaves)
• 1 Can (32 oz) Diced Tomatoes well drained
• 1 Tablespoon dried Italian spices (McCormick makes a good version)
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1 white onion diced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, begin to saute the minced garlic over medium heat. When the oil starts to sizzle, keep a careful eye on it to make sure the garlic doesn't burn. Stir frequently until the garlic is just lightly browned. If you are using onions, add them before the garlic until they are softened -- around 5-7 minutes.

2. Add the diced tomatoes to the mixture. Use a fork to crush the tomatoes, or use a potato masher for stubborn tomatoes that won't crush up. This will add texture to the sauce and a lot of flavor. Continue to cook over medium heat.

3. Add the crushed tomatoes. Continue to simmer on medium low heat for about 10 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients to the sauce, and simmer for about one hour- one and a half hours. Serve immediately with chicken parmesan or other Italian recipes.