MARINARA, PASTA SAUCE, AND PIZZA SAUCE

This recipe can be whatever you need it to be depending on how long you cook it and what you add to it. If you cook it as written and pull it off the heat after about 10 minutes, it is marinara. If you leave the heat on low and let it simmer down and thicken for another 15 minutes, you have pizza sauce. If you add meat or sausage to it, it is a meaty pasta sauce. It is delicious, it is simple, and it is easy. I will post copies of the three variations.

serves 4

MARINARA
1 T. extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1 can (28 ounces) crushed or diced tomatoes (drain well if using diced)
1/2 tsp. white sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
Pepper to taste

In a medium saucepan, heat garlic, oregano, and oil together over medium-high heat until garlic starts to sizzle. Stir in tomatoes, sugar, salt, and a couple of grinds of pepper; bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer on medium-low until sauce thickens a bit and flavors meld, about 15 minutes. Taste sauce, adjusting salt if necessary.

MEATY PASTA SAUCE
1/2 lb. ground beef or Italian sausage
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1 can (28 ounces) crushed or diced tomatoes (drain well if using diced)
1/2 tsp. white sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
Pepper to taste

In a medium saucepan, cook the meat until it is no longer pink, then add garlic and oregano and cook until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes, sugar, salt, and a couple of grinds of pepper; bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer on medium-low until sauce thickens a bit and flavors meld, about 15 minutes. Taste sauce, adjusting salt if necessary.

PIZZA SAUCE
makes enough sauce for 2 medium-sized (8 slice) pizzas
1 T. extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1 can (28 ounces) crushed or diced tomatoes (drain well if using diced)
1/2 tsp. white sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
Pepper to taste

In a medium saucepan, heat garlic, oregano, and oil together over medium-high heat until garlic starts to sizzle. Stir in tomatoes, sugar, salt, and a couple of grinds of pepper; bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer on low until sauce thickens to a spreadable consistency and flavors meld, about 25 minutes. Taste sauce, adjusting salt if necessary.