Mary's Savory Marinara Sauce

someone named antoine's Note:

This is my mom's delicious marinara sauce recipe that she kindly provided to me. I have fond memories of her making this sauce often and filling the entire house with its wonderful aroma. It has a savory tomato-y taste, a nice hint of basil, and goes well with all types of pasta (including lasagna). I also like to use it for homemade meatball heroes. I hope that you all will enjoy it as much as we do!

• Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 3 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 (24 ounce) can tomato puree
• 1 (24 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (16 ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes (seasoned with basil, garlic and oregano)
• 1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3 cups hot water
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dry oregano, divided
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dry basil, divided
• 1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 fresh basil leaves (larger is better)
• 3 meatballs (optional)
• 3 sweet Italian sausage links (optional)

Directions:

1. Saute the garlic and onion in oil in a large pot over a medium heat until they are transparent but not browned. Add a 1/2 teaspoon each of dry oregano and basil to the onion and garlic while sauteing.
2. Once the onions and garlic are transparent, add all of the tomato products, the hot water, the rest of the dry herbs, and the fresh basil leaves to the pot and mix everything together well.
3. If you'd like, you can add meatballs and/or sweet Italian sausage to the sauce at this point.
4. Adjust the flame to a low heat and let the sauce cook for about 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. After the 2 1/2 hours, add the sugar and cook for another 45 minutes.
6. Serve over your favorite pasta and garnish with more basil leaves, if desired. Leftovers can be frozen and reheated on the stove later.