Kitchen Inventions: Simply Fresh Marinara Sauce

This is the base for a sauce that you can add any cooked meat to before tossing with noodles of your choice. Tonight I'm adding meatballs, but ground beef, turkey, sausage, or anything else you like would work. The part you don't want to skip is the fresh basil. It is what makes it taste so fresh! I hope you enjoy this quick and easy recipe as much as my family does! It is best when served with some bread to sop up the sauce! For a quick and easy recipe, see my Italian Crescent Rolls!

Ingredients:

2 cans (14.5 oz) Italian stewed tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1/4 cup of fresh basil (about 20 leaves)
1/2 small onion (chopped)
6 cloves of garlic (minced)
1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
1 pinch of red pepper flakes (add more if you like it spicy or want a kick)
1 pinch of salt & pepper
1 pinch of sugar
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp EVOO

Directions:

1. Saute onions, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, & Italian seasoning
in EVOO over medium-low heat until translucent.

TIP: If you rub the red pepper and dried herbs in your hand before dropping in the pot, it will release the natural oils they have inside and will release more flavor into your dish!

2. Pour onion, garlic & seasoning mixture into a blender,
along with all other ingredients (except the butter.)

TIP: Don't worry about the "stuff" stuck to the bottom of your pot. The acidity in the tomatoes will release it from the bottom and all of that flavor will end up back in your sauce!

3. Blend, for about 1 minute until to your desired thickness (chunky or pureed.)

TIP: If you like a thinner sauce, add 1 more can of stewed Italian tomatoes.

4. Pour back into pan and let simmer 5 minutes.

5. In the last minute, add the butter and let melt over the top, then stir to mix.

6. If adding meat, add now, cover and let simmer another 5 - 10 minutes

(or stick in a crock pot to keep warm until you are ready to serve dinner.)