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Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Having everything prepared in advance will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the Olive Oil: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
Add the Onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes and Seasonings
Add the Crushed Tomatoes: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir to combine.
Season the Sauce: Add the salt, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the tomato mixture. Stir well to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Incorporate Baking Soda
Add Baking Soda: Sprinkle the baking soda over the tomato sauce. You will notice that the sauce will start to bubble and foam slightly. This is a normal reaction as the baking soda neutralizes the acidity of the tomatoes.
Stir the Sauce: Stir the sauce thoroughly to incorporate the baking soda evenly. Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat, allowing it to simmer gently. The foaming will subside after a few minutes.
Step 5: Simmer and Adjust
Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a small amount of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce is still too acidic, you can add a pinch more baking soda, but be careful not to overdo it.
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