A delightful and hearty tomato sauce perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta or as a base for other Italian dishes.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Using extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor of the sauce.
Add the red pepper flakes and stir for about a minute to release their aroma.
Be careful not to burn the spices as it can make the sauce bitter.
Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until softened.
Chop the vegetables evenly for consistent cooking.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
Adding garlic later prevents it from burning and turning bitter.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, mushrooms, sugar, and red wine.
Mix well to ensure the tomato paste is evenly distributed.
Add the dried basil and oregano, stir, and bring to a simmer.
Simmering allows the herbs to infuse their flavors into the sauce.
Cover and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, for at least 2 hours.
Stir every 15 minutes to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pot.
Adjust the consistency with additional wine if needed and re-season to taste.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta with grated cheese and a side of crusty bread.
Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.