Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/13 checked
6
servings
3 tbsp

Olive Oil

1 cup

White Onion

Diced

4 clove

Garlic

Minced

0.5 tsp

Red Chili Flakes

0.5 tsp

Dried Oregano

0.25 tsp

Fennel Seeds

56 oz

Peeled San Marzano Tomatoes

Crushed

2 tbsp

Italian Parsley

Chopped

2 unit

Dried Bay Leaves

Whole

0.25 cup

Basil Leaves

Chopped

1 pinch

Kosher Salt

1 pinch

Black Pepper

1 tbsp

Sugar

Step 1
~4 min

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2
~4 min

Add diced white onion and minced garlic, cook until softened and translucent (3-4 minutes).

Step 3
~4 min

Stir in red chili flakes, dried oregano, and fennel seeds, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 4
~4 min

Pour peeled San Marzano tomatoes (or standard plum tomatoes) and their juices into a large bowl.

Step 5
~4 min

Crush the tomatoes with your hands and discard any tough core pieces.

Step 6
~4 min

Pour the crushed tomatoes and juices into the pot.

Step 7
~4 min

Stir in chopped Italian parsley and whole dried bay leaves.

Step 8
~4 min

Bring to a soft boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered.

Step 9
~4 min

Simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and reduced.

Step 10
~4 min

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in chopped basil leaves.

Step 11
~4 min

Puree the sauce until smooth using an immersion blender or standard blender.

Step 12
~4 min

Season with kosher salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 13
~4 min

Add sugar to cut down acidity, if needed.

Step 14
~4 min

Use immediately or refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Step 15
~4 min

Freeze for up to a few months (not suitable for pressure canning/jarring).

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For a smoother sauce, simmer longer.

Add a pinch of baking soda to reduce acidity.

Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to your desired level of spice.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made several days in advance.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with spaghetti and meatballs.

Use as a base for lasagna.

Serve with grilled vegetables.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Garlic bread
Caesar salad

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Italy

Cultural Significance

A staple sauce in Italian cuisine.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas Eve Dinner
Sunday Supper

Occasion Tags

Weeknight Dinner
Family Meal
Party
Holiday

Popularity Score

75/100

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