Kittencal's Marinara Pasta Sauce (Vegetarian)

Ingredients

• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4-6 garlic cloves, minced (or to taste)
• 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)
• fresh ground black pepper (to taste)

Directions

1. 1

   In a heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven heat oil over medium-high heat.

2. 2

   Add in onions, garlic and dried red pepper flakes, basil and oregano; saute for about 3-4 minutes.

3. 3

   Add in the tomato paste and stir for 2-3 minutes.

4. 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. 5

   Season with salt and pepper and add in sugar if desired.

6. 6

   **NOTE** if you prefer a thinner sauce, then add in some water.