Start by prepping your tomatoes. Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to loosen the skins. Peel the skins off, then chop the tomatoes into small pieces.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot along with tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Use a blender or food mill to puree the sauce to your desired consistency. For a smoother sauce, blend for longer; for a chunkier texture, blend less.
Once the sauce is blended, return it to the pot and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes to thicken further.
While the sauce is simmering, sterilize your canning jars by placing them in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes.
Once the sauce is ready and your jars are sterilized, carefully ladle the hot tomato sauce into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth, then place the canning lids and screw on the bands until they are fingertip tight.
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 25-30 minutes. Make sure the jars are fully submerged in the water during processing.
After processing, remove the jars and let them cool. You should hear the lids pop as they seal. Once cool, store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Notes
If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to the sauce while it’s simmering. You can also experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more complex flavor.