Marinara Sauce

Step 1

Sauté onion and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until combined.  Add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until combined.

Step 2

Add remaining ingredients.  Add the tomatoes, oregano, salt and black pepper, and stir to combine.  Use a wooden spoon or a potato masher to gently break up the tomatoes as the sauce continues to heat.  Stir in the fresh basil sprigs.

Step 3

Simmer.  Continue cooking the sauce until it reaches a simmer.  Then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and continue to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Season.  Remove and discard the fresh basil sprigs.  Taste and season the sauce with salt and pepper, as needed.  (If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can also purée it with an immersion blender until it reaches your desired consistency.)

Step 5

Serve.  Then serve the sauce warm and enjoy!