Sams Red Pasta Sauce

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add the diced red bell pepper and grated carrot to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

4. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, paprika, and sugar. Stir well to combine and let the herbs toast for a minute to release their flavors.

5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Give everything a good stir, making sure the tomato paste is fully incorporated into the sauce.

6. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Remember, you can always add more later, so start with a conservative amount.

7. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently for at least 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

8. As the sauce simmers, the flavors will meld together beautifully, creating a rich and aromatic pasta sauce that's worth the wait.

9. When the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

10. Serve your pasta sauce over your favorite pasta, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness.