This Homemade Pasta Sauce Is An Absolute Delight

Pasta is a delicious and versatile food that can be prepared in a variety of ways, from simple olive oil and garlic to more complex dishes with meat, vegetables, and cheese. However, pasta on its own can often lack the depth of flavour and richness that comes from a good pasta sauce. Pasta sauce helps to enhance the flavour of pasta by adding a range of complementary flavours, such as tangy tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and savoury spices. When it comes to pasta sauces, there are endless possibilities and variations, each with its own unique flavour profile and cooking method. A good pasta sauce starts with high-quality, fresh ingredients, such as ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and fresh garlic. These ingredients are then cooked down slowly over low heat to allow the flavours to meld together, resulting in a rich and delicious sauce. One of the great things about pasta sauce is that it can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For example, a classic marinara sauce is made with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, while a creamy Alfredo sauce is made with cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Pasta sauce can also be made with a variety of different ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, and seafood. For instance, a meaty Bolognese sauce is made with ground beef, onions, and tomatoes, while a light and refreshing seafood sauce is made with shrimp, garlic, and white wine. 

The history of pasta sauce is closely tied to the history of the pasta itself. While pasta has been a staple food in Italy for centuries, pasta sauce as we know it today didn't become popular until the late 19th century. Prior to that, pasta was often served with simple accompaniments, such as olive oil, garlic, and cheese. The development of pasta sauce as we know it today can be traced back to the late 1800s, when tomato sauce became a popular condiment for pasta dishes in Italy. This tomato-based sauce was initially a simple combination of tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, but over time, it evolved to include additional ingredients such as onions, herbs, and spices.

There are countless ways to make pasta sauce at home, but here is a simple and delicious recipe for a classic tomato-based pasta sauce:

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

• Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
• Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
• Pour the crushed tomatoes into the saucepan and stir to combine.
• Add the salt, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the saucepan and stir to combine.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• If the sauce is too chunky, you can use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth.
• Serve the sauce over your favourite pasta and enjoy!