Nonna's Tomato Sauce

VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/ZEBdNikr6wI

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 60 minutes

Ingredients:

•¾ cup olive oil

•1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

•6 cloves garlic, minced

•¾ tsp. black pepper

•18 fresh basil leaves, divided

•2 tbsp. tomato paste

•3 (28 oz.) cans whole peeled tomatoes, pureed

•3 tsp. salt

•2 tsp. sugar

•3 tbsp. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Instructions:

1.     Prepare the aromatics. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft, translucent, and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

2.     Sauté the spices. Add the minced garlic, black pepper, and 9 of the basil leaves to the pot. Continue to cook until the onion and garlic are a light golden color and very fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

3.     Toast the tomato paste. Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir it into the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 1 minute, allowing it to deepen in color and toast slightly.

4.     Add the tomatoes and seasoning. Pour in the pureed tomatoes. Stir well, then add the salt, sugar 9 of the basil leaves, and the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

5.     Simmer the sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will meld.

6.     Finish and serve. Remove the pot from the heat. Serve the sauce immediately with your favorite pasta, or store it in an airtight container for later.