super simple 20 minute tomato sauce

This is my last week of freedom before classes begin. I’ve been doing a little lifeguarding and BodyPumping, but mostly I can just sit around.

It’s also given me the opportunity to watch The Today Show each morning, which keeps getting worse and worse but for some reason I just can’t look away.

Al Roker outside on the plaza talking to people, approaches three girls with matching t-shirts and signs that say “Sister 1,” “Sister 2,” and “Sister 3.” He says “SO, WHOSE BIRTHDAY IS IT?” The girls, looking bored, say “None of us.”

Meanwhile, the woman next to them is holding a sign that says “My son is a navy seal, fell 300 feet and survived!”

Way to dig up the big story, Al. Solid journalism.

And Savannah Guthrie is basically the reason that women only make 75 cents to every dollar a man makes. I thought girls stopped acting stupid to be cool in 7th grade, but a segment teaching her how to microwave lasagna? Come on.

This sauce is so easy, Al and Savannah could pull it off.

I wasn’t even planning to share it on the blog, but I probably make it once a week now so I figure it’s worth passing along.

20 Minute Tomato Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 yellow onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

15 oz can diced tomatoes

15 oz can tomato sauce

1/2 tsp sugar

1 tsp each dried basil and parsley

1 1/2 tsp dried oregano

pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 lb short cut pasta

Start by putting your pasta water on the stove. By the time it comes to a boil, the sauce will be simmering away!

Dice the onion, and saute in the olive oil with some salt until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute or two, then add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. I typically add about half a can of water, as well. Stir together.

Add the sugar and spices. I don’t measure these things so this is more of an estimate- but I definitely add more oregano than basil and parsley, and just a pinch of the crushed red pepper flakes. You can also use an Italian seasoning spice mix. Stir occasionally over medium heat.

Once the water comes to a boil, add a healthy handful of salt and cook the pasta to al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the sauce and add the drained pasta directly in the pot.