Marinara Sauce

A bright, simple all-purpose tomato sauce built on garlic, olive oil, and good canned tomatoes.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz each) whole plum tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 bay leaves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and saute the onion until soft and translucent, about 8 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, and bay leaves.
4. Bring to a gentle simmer and season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 35 to 40 minutes, until thickened.
6. Discard the bay leaves, stir in the parsley, and adjust seasoning before tossing with pasta.

Notes

Adapted from Jeff Smith, The Frugal Gourmet, who insisted a great sauce starts with patient garlic and oil.