Homemade Spaghetti Sauce: The Secret to a Flavorful and Authentic Italian Dish

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the tomatoes:

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
Season the sauce:

Add the oregano, basil, parsley, sugar (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together.
If you like a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency or let it be chunky.
Simmer:

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over low heat. Cover and cook for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. For a richer flavor, you can simmer the sauce for longer, up to 1 hour.
Finish and serve:

Remove the bay leaf, if used, and taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to taste.
Serve over your favorite pasta, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil, and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips: