Nana used to store this sauce in jars so she would always have it on hand!

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### **Instructions:**

1. **Sauté the Onion (Optional)**: If you’re using onion, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. This step enhances the flavor of the sauce, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip it.

2. **Add Garlic**: Stir in the garlic powder (or fresh garlic if you prefer). Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn.

3. **Combine the Tomatoes**: Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the saucepan. Stir everything together, making sure the tomato paste breaks down and mixes into the sauce.

4. **Season the Sauce**: Add the oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar to the mix. The sugar helps to cut the acidity of the tomatoes, balancing the flavors. Stir well to combine.

5. **Simmer**: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the deeper and richer the flavor becomes. If you have the time, let it go for an hour or more!

6. **Add Fresh Basil (Optional)**: About 5 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh basil for a pop of color and aromatic freshness. If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, dried basil works fine too, but fresh gives the sauce that extra homemade touch.

7. **Cool and Store**: Once the sauce is ready, you can either serve it immediately or let it cool and store it in jars. Nana’s trick was to store it in mason jars in the fridge, ready to go for whenever a meal needed a little something extra. The sauce can last for up to a week in the refrigerator or be frozen for longer storage.

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### **Why Nana Always Stored This Sauce in Jars**
Nana knew the value of having a batch of this sauce on hand at all times. Whether it was for a quick dinner, a surprise guest, or simply because she wanted to make sure her loved ones always had something tasty to enjoy, the jars of sauce were always a comforting presence in her kitchen.

Storing the sauce in jars made it easy to grab and use when needed, and it also gave the sauce time to deepen in flavor as it sat. The flavors developed over time, making it even more delicious each time it was used.

It’s a practice that’s become part of my own cooking routine now. Every time I make this sauce, I think of Nana and the way she always had a jar of it ready, just like a secret weapon for any meal.

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### **How to Use This Sauce**
The beauty of this sauce is its versatility. Here are a few ideas on how to use it:
– **Pasta**: Of course, the most classic way to use this sauce is over a plate of pasta. Whether spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni, this sauce coats the noodles perfectly.
– **Pizza**: Use this sauce as the base for your homemade pizza. It’s flavorful enough to stand alone without overpowering the other toppings.
– **Meatballs**: Smother homemade or store-bought meatballs in this sauce for a comforting meal.
– **Chicken Parmesan**: Top breaded chicken cutlets with this sauce and mozzarella cheese for an easy version of chicken parmesan.
– **Dipping Sauce**: Serve it alongside breadsticks or mozzarella sticks as a delicious dipping sauce.

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### **Tips for Perfect Sauce Every Time**
– **Fresh vs. Dried Herbs**: While this recipe calls for dried oregano, fresh oregano or basil will take the sauce to the next level. Use what you have on hand, and experiment to find your preferred flavor!
– **Add Red Pepper Flakes**: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spice.
– **Make it Chunky**: If you prefer a chunkier sauce, use diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes. The texture will give it a more rustic, homemade feel.
– **Freeze It**: If you’ve made a large batch, this sauce freezes beautifully. Just store it in airtight containers or freezer bags and use it within 3-4 months.

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### **Final Thoughts**
There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade sauce that’s been passed down through generations. **Nana’s Tomato Sauce** is one of those recipes that brings back memories of family dinners, laughter, and the smell of something delicious cooking on the stove. It’s a recipe that, while simple, is filled with love and tradition.

The beauty of this sauce lies not just in its flavor, but in its ability to make any meal feel special. Whether you’re using it for a weeknight dinner or saving it for a special occasion, you’ll always find yourself reaching for that jar of sauce.

So, if you’re looking for a classic, versatile sauce that will become a staple in your kitchen just like it was in Nana’s, give this recipe a try. You’ll have a jar of deliciousness on hand, ready to bring a little extra comfort to every meal.

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Let me know if you’d like any adjustments or if there’s something more you’d like to add!