Marinara Sauce Perfect Every Time

This Marinara sauce is easy to make, is heart healthy and turns out the same every single time. My husband is Italian and he is used to his family's gravy loaded with meats and sausage. I started making this occasionally (for the heart benefits) and because it has a touch of sweetness to it and chunks of tomato, my whole family likes it. Now I make this more than the traditional gravy because it is better for you. I have added cooked Italian sausage and simmered it in the Marinara occasionally, but this Marinara sauce tastes great just like it is. It is also very quick to make after a day at work. It makes enough for two generous meals and I use it for lasagna or stuffed shells the second day or freeze it. Enjoy!

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 10-12

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin preferred
• 4  minced garlic cloves
• 2  tablespoons dried parsley
• 2  tablespoons sugar
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon oregano
• 1  teaspoon basil
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1  dash  red pepper (I never use it) (optional)
• 2 (28 ounce) cans chopped tomatoes
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste

Directions

1. Before starting this recipe, measure out all the spices and sugar into a small prep bowl. Mince the garlic or you can use the pre chopped jar garlic.
2. In a large deep skillet, (I use my large electric skillet) heat olive oil and saute garlic for about 3 minutes until golden, watch carefully so it doesn't get over brown. Remove from heat and add the cans of tomato sauce and paste. Mix well and then stir in all of the spices and sugar. Reduce heat to low and simmer about 30 minutes or until heated thru. Fantastic and basically fat free! Serve over your choice of pasta noodle and enjoy!