Spices & Sprinkles

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons EVOO
• 1 large shallot, minced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 56 oz. crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt (or more based on preference and tomatoes)
• Pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or combination of basil, oregano, and whatever else you like)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Optional: Parmesan cheese rinds
• Optional: fresh basil (about 10 leaves, or more)
• Optional: 2 teaspoons calabrian chili paste

Directions:

1. Sauté the shallot and garlic in EVOO until garlic is fragrant and shallot begins to soften.
2. Deglaze the pan with balsamic.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and optional parmesan rinds and Calabrian chili paste. Cook for about 30 minutes on a simmer.
4. Add the basil when there is a couple minutes of cooking left.