Warm the olive oil. Heat olive oil over low heat in a saucepan. You’re warming, not frying. Relax.
Add the garlic. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. The second it smells amazing, move on.
Add tomato paste. Stir it in and let it cook for a minute. This deepens the flavor. Don’t skip it.
Pour in crushed tomatoes. Stir gently until everything looks rich and smooth. Congrats, you’re already winning.
Season it. Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Stir and taste like a responsible cook.
Simmer briefly. Let it simmer on low for 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally. No need to babysit.
Cool before using. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. This helps the flavors settle.
