Marinara Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 56 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (two 28 ounce cans)
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven, large skillet or other large pot.

2. 2

   Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.

4. 4

   Add the two 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes to the pot and stir. Pour the ½ cup water into one of the cans, swirl it around, then pour it into the second can and swirl it before pouring the water into the pot.

5. 5

   Add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Stir. Bring to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low.

6. 6

   Cook sauce at a low simmer, uncovered, for 30-45 minutes.

7. 7

   Serve sauce over pasta or use as desired.