Marinara Sauce Recipe

I'm racing to get some meals in the freezer before my baby gets here (update coming soon). As you saw on 52home last week, Mom and I made a large batch of marinara sauce. Since you asked for the recipe, here it is. A longtime family favorite!

Basic Marinara Sauce

¼ cup olive oil

3 cloves garlic, pressed

2 28 ounces cans whole tomatoes, preferably imported (give tomatoes a quick whirl in food processor)

1 12 ounce can tomato paste

½ cup fresh basil, finely chopped

¼ cup fresh oregano, finely chopped

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

 
In a large heavy pot, saute garlic in olive oil over medium high heat for about 1 minute.  Do not brown!  Add tomatoes and tomato paste.  Add remaining ingredients, adding parsley last, and simmer 20 minutes.

Meat Sauce Variation: Brown 1 pound meatloaf mix (ground beef, pork, and veal).  Drain.  Prepare marinara sauce as directed above.  Add meat mixture after adding the tomatoes.