A Good Simple Marinara Sauce

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Dear Lucia: Sometimes I just need to make a simple marinara sauce. Unfortunately, simple doesn't always mean good. Any suggestions? ~ Annabelle 

Dear Annabelle: To make tasty marinara sauce can be very simple. You need . . .

1 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes or whole tomatoes (if using whole tomatoes, crush with your hands or a food processor)
4 or 5 garlic cloves (chopped)
1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
about 2 T. olive oil
salt (to taste)
about 1/4 cup of chopped parsley (optional)

Put the olive oil in a pot or saute pan. Add garlic. Keep the heat low so that the garlic doesn't burn. When the garlic gets a little golden color, add the tomatoes.

Place a little water into the tomato can (about 1/4 cup) and add it to the sauce. Add the basil, red pepper, and salt. When it comes to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes. If you decide to use parsley, add it to the pan before putting in the tomato.

Mangia Bene!