I tried a new way of making an Italian marinara sauce this evening and have discovered a keeper! It was easy and only required a stir with the spoon ever so often.
Ingredients:
Ten peeled garlic cloves
3 peeled carrots
3 stalks of celery
1 large onion
1 green bell pepper
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
Generous pinch of black pepper & salt
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon chili flakes
1/4 cup olive oil
2 small cans tomato paste
2 cans dices tomatoes
Put all the ingredients, except tomatoes in the food processor and pulse until they are ground but not slush. Simmer for about five minutes in a large pot. You don't want to overcook it at this stage. Add the tomato products, cover, and simmer for 4 to 5 hours. Would work well in the crock pot, too.
Serve over pasta or with meatballs and a good sprinkling of freshly grated Romano or parmesan cheese. Wouldn't hurt to have some garlic bread on hand to sop up the sauce!
