recipe: homemade marinara sauce

i had a great harvest this year of garden tomatoes.

if you're lucky you still have some to harvest from your garden, or you canned them to enjoy all winter long. homemade marinara sauce is surprisingly easy to make and tastes better than any store bought sauce. and, it's a great way to get using all your tomatoes! this is great with your favorite pasta and meatballs, or for your next lasagna!

this recipe yields approximately 80 oz. some to eat with dinner tonight, and two freezer bags full to freeze for another time!

{homemade tomato marinara sauce}
adapted from this recipe

ingredients

5 1/2 lbs tomatoes, [fresh or canned]
12 ounces tomato paste
3 cloves garlic, whole un-peeled
1/2 onion peeled, [un-cut]
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons parsley, dried or fresh
2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
3 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes [optional, if you like spicy]
3 tablespoons italian seasoning
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup red wine [optional]

directions

heat oven to 350 degrees.

on a greased cookie sheet place tomatoes, halved cut side up. placed unpeeled garlic, and the 1/2 onion on sheet. drizzle with olive oil, and salt and pepper. place in oven uncovered to roast for 1 hour. cool 15 minutes on a rack.

after roasting, place tomatoes, garlic, and onions in blender in batches and process until smooth. run through a strainer/sieve to remove any un-wanted skin and peels.

add tomato mixture to a stock pot with remaining ingredients and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

enjoy!

xoxo,

caroline "the curious cook"