Marinara Sauce

This is seriously the best marinara sauce ever.  At least we think so.  :)  Super easy- probably already have these ingredients in your pantry.  Feel free to add sausage, meatballs, veggie crumbles or whatever else.  Sometime I dice up a little onion and throw it in.  Sometimes I add carrots or bell peppers, sometimes mushrooms and olives.  This sauce is super versatile!!!  It is really delicious just as written too!!

INGREDIENTS:

• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 14 oz can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp sugar- either brown or white. I prefer brown, white seems to give a sweeter taste.
• 2 Tbsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• pepper
• 1/4 c shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 Tbsp dried parsley

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add oil to pot, add garlic and turn on medium low for about 4-5 minutes.  You want the oil to be fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic. 
2. Add the crushed and diced tomatoes and all other ingredients EXCEPT the parm cheese and parsley.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for at least one hour. 
4. During last 15 minutes of cooking add cheese and parsley, and keep at a slow simmer until ready to top hot pasta!!!