Kittencal's Marinara Pasta Sauce (vegetarian)

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 3 -4 tablespoons olive oil (i use enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of my pot)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 -6 garlic cloves, minced (or to taste, the more the better i use 6 extra large cloves)
• 1 tablespoon dried basil (rubbed between fingers to release flavor)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano (rubbed between fingers to release flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional or adjust to taste)
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste (can use two cans for a thicker richer sauce if desired)
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole roma tomatoes, undrained (break up with a fork before cooking, go ahead and use two cans if desired!)
• 1/3-1/2 cup dry red (you may omit if desired but good to add in, can use white )
• 2 teaspoons sugar (optional or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste, a good tomato sauce needs lots so don't be shy with the salt)
• fresh ground black pepper (to taste)

Recipe

• 1 in a heavy-bottomed stockpot or dutch oven heat oil over medium-high heat.
• 2 add in onions, garlic and dried red pepper flakes, basil and oregano; saute for about 3-4 minutes.
• 3 add in the tomato paste and stir for 2-3 minutes.
• 4 add in the roma tomatoes with juice and ; simmer uncovered over low heat for 1-2 hours (i usually cook it for at least a couple of hours) stirring occasionally.
• 5 season with salt and pepper and add in sugar if desired.
• 6 **note** if you prefer a thinner sauce, then add in some water.