Kittencal's Marinara Pasta Sauce (Vegetarian)

This is a basic simple marinara but big on flavor, it can be ready in 1 hour or you can cook it longer and even tastes better the next day that is why I strongly suggest to make this sauce 1-3 days ahead and refrigerate as the flavors will blend and intensify ---this freezes well so make a double recipe and freeze a batch for the next meal, you may omit the wine but I strongly suggest to add it in, it really adds flavor to the sauce --- please make certain to purchase only good-quality canned Italian Roma (plum) tomatoes for this it will make a huge difference to the flavor of the sauce --- all ingredients may be adjusted to suit taste, this sauce can also be simmered for a longer time in a crockpot, throw in some fresh mushrooms also if desired --- also see my Kittencal's Italian Tomato Pasta Sauce and Parmesan Meatballs

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 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 wine (you may omit if desired but good to add in, can use white wine)
• 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)

Directions

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 wine; 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.