Can’t Miss Marinara Sauce

This no-fail, can’t-miss sauce can be made in advance and used in a variety of recipes. Kids will love it on whole-wheat pizza! Double the recipe and freeze half as a delicious and simple staple sauce.

Can’t Miss Marinara Sauce
Makes about 7 cups

1 yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
1 cup no added sodium vegetable broth or water
2 tablespoons No Salt Added Italian Seasoning (or a combination of dried oregano and basil)
Freshly ground black pepper
1 heaped tablespoon of no-salt added tomato paste
4 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added chopped tomatoes
3 tablespoons fresh basil, stemmed and chopped
1 dried bay leaf

To prepare the sauce: In large sauce pan over medium-high heat, steam sauté the onion and garlic with a tablespoon of water or broth at a time to avoid sticking, stirring frequently until just tender, about 3 minutes. Add water or broth as needed to prevent sticking.  Add the herbs.  Add the tomato paste and continue cooking onion mixture until it starts to darken, about 2 more minutes.  Add tomatoes.  Cook on low to medium heat for 10 – 15 minutes. As sauce begins to thicken, add any remaining broth and black pepper to taste. When done, turn off heat and add fresh herbs.  Serve over whole-wheat pasta or cool to room temperature and freeze for later use.