Fresh and flavorful, this sweet basil tomato sauce is begging to be tossed with spaghetti and slurped up tonight. It's delicious as a oil-free marinara dipping sauce, as a pasta sauce or a base for lasagna.
Sauté onions, carrot and garlic until onions are translucent. Stir frequently, adding a tablespoon of water as needed to prevent sticking or burning.
Add crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper and sugar (if using). Turn heat to medium low and stir every few minutes to prevent it from burning on the bottom. Once the tomatoes are heated through, reduce heat to low and cover loosely with lid, leaving a vent for steam to escape.
Simmer for at least 30 minutes (or up to 60 minutes, if you have the time).
Toss with 1 pound of cooked spaghetti. Or, enjoy as a dipping sauce for bread, base for lasagna or other dishes that require a delicious marinara sauce.
Notes
Optional additions:
sliced white or baby portabello mushrooms
zucchini or yellow squash
eggplant
red chili flakes
dried oregano
brown sugar or coconut sugar, to tame acidity of tomatoes