Quick 'n Easy Marinara

This sauce can be made in an hour or so, and is very tasty.

One onion, diced

3-4 cloves garlic, minced

Red pepper flakes, to taste

1/2 cup white whine :)

2 28-32 ounce cans of roma tomatoes

1 small can tomato paste

1 Tbs each dried oregano, thyme, and basil

1 bay leaf

1 Tbs each salt and sugar, and fresh ground pepper

Saute the onions and pepper flakes for 5 minutes or so in olive oil and butter in a large saucepan. Add the garlic, cook for a minute. Add the whine and cook down by one-half. Add the tomato paste and cook another two minutes.

Here's the fun part. Use your finest kitchen tool, your hand, to crush the tomatoes into the pot. Stick a finger in the tomato, and aim the hole away from you as you squeeze to avoid looking like your dinner. Add all the tomato liquid from the cans and the bay leaf. It will look kinda ugly, no worries. Partially cover and simmer on low heat, stirring frequently, for about 45 minutes.

Add the spices, salt, sugar, and pepper, and simmer another 15 minutes. Let cool (or not, if you don't mind being burned with flaming hot tomato sauce). Remove the bay leaf and puree in the pot with an immersion blender.

Warm the sauce, serve over your favorite pasta, and enjoy!