Red sauce spaghetti sauce recipe that calls for a whole lemon to simmer the sauce in

This classic Italian red sauce is delicious and so easy to make! Our secret ingredient is a whole lemon that we simmer the sauce in – it really brightens up the flavor. This sauce is great on spaghetti, of course, but also try it on chicken or fish.

To make the sauce, you will need:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 whole lemon
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cut the lemon in half and add it to the sauce. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the pan from the heat and let cool slightly. Remove the bay leaf and lemon halves. Stir in the chopped parsley. Serve over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta