A rich and flavorful tomato sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or any Italian-inspired dish.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking to avoid burning the ingredients.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until softened and fragrant.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, as it can turn bitter.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well.
Crush the tomatoes slightly with the spoon to release their juices.
Add the brown sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper, and stir to combine.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving or storing.
For a smoother texture, blend the sauce using an immersion blender.