of course I have something to share!
(2) #3 Cans of whole peeled tomatoes (28oz) or equal amount of fresh peeled tomatoes. (Put in bowl, crush by hand ? set aside) or homemade (canned)
10 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
1 lg. Onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp. Salt
1 tbs. Sugar
Pepper to taste
20 basil leaves or 2 tbs. dried basil
4 to 6 tbs. Olive oil
Heat Olive oil in a saucepan. When hot add garlic, stir, add onions ? sauté until soft.
Add tomatoes, along with remaining ingredients.
Bring to light boil, reduce heat ? simmer one hour without lid, stirring occasionally.
OR
About three tablespoons of olive oil - I use Bertoli Extra Virgin
Six cloves of fresh garlic chopped - this is the secret. . . .
10 small baby carrots chopped - the already peeled ones
One onion diced
Crushed Tomatoes - Two 28 ounce cans - I like Angela Mia and Furmano's - redpack is good too - but nothing beats HOMEMADE
Sugar to sweeten as you like - I usually use about a tablespoon and then a little more
Saute the garlic, carrots, and onion in the olive oil
Pour in the crushed tomatoes
Cook and stir occasionally for about an hour or more and add sugar as you go
OR
6 pounds ripe Italian-type tomatoes
1 cup very finely minced onion
1/2 cup very finely minced celery
1 cup very finely minced carrots
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
Ground white pepper to taste.
Optional seasoning (any one of the following): 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried marjoram; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 to 2 teaspoons salt, to taste
Drop the tomatoes into boiling water, a few at a time. Let the water return to a boil, then remove the tomatoes and drain. Peel and chop.
In a large saucepan, cook the onion, celery, and carrots in the olive oil, covered, over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring a few times. Uncover and stir, over the heat, for 5 to 10 minutes longer, or until the vegetables are very soft and lightly gold.
Add the tomatoes, sugar, and pepper and simmer gently, covered, for 15 minutes.
Puree the sauce through the medium disc of food mill. Add the optional seasoning and cook at a bare simmer until a desirable consistency is reached, about 20 minutes, stirring often. Add salt to taste.
If you prefer a smooth sauce, work the sauce through the fine disc of a food mill.
Cool the sauce and refrigerate it. It will keep, refrigerated, for about a week, or for several months if frozen.
Makes: 3 Pints
It's all a matter of taste - it cooks in no time and you can add/adjust seasonings - I don't like the coriander in it - some do. I stick with the marjarom, basil, sometimes some dried red bell pepper (I dry my own), maybe a pinch of oregano (to me marinara should not be hot and spicy).
If using any dried herbs - remember that you don't just add dried herbs to anything unless you crush them in your hand to release the oils/flavors of the herbs.
Depending on what I use the sauce for - I may not add any carrot - and if I do add carrot - I do not add sugar - the carrots add enough sweetness. If I want to use it on bread for topping, then I may add a bit of red pepper flakes, paprika or a pinch of chili powder.
Start off with a small batch - grab a can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes (unseasoned) and experiment. You can use it for pasta, rice, couscous, on bread, pizza, focaccia, etc. for a quick and easy side. Then the next time try a different herb or carrot/no carrot, etc.
I do not use any green bell pepper - too bitter for it. But just a tad of dried red bell is nice.
I hope this helps.