Quick and Easy: Marinara Sauce

We are so lucky to still have jars of sauce from canning our garden tomatoes last year. You won't believe what a bargain meal this was! First of all the tomato sauce was basically "free". Then our store had the Italian Village Ravioli's on sale for $1.00 each. The company because I e-mailed them on how wonderful the product was sent us three $1.00 off coupons. I picked up three bags and it cost us - ZERO collars! So the only expense was the side salad, the onion and garlic and spices. Since I picked up a bag of pre made Ceasar salad mix for $1.00 off this meal cost us: $3.46. So for the two of us, $1.73 each. There was enough for a third smaller portion which would have been $1.15 each! If you purchase the tomatoes and the ravioli on sale, you are looking at around $6.35 for the whole meal - still economical.

• 32 oz. (2 qt.) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 large onion - fine dice
• 1 tbsp. garlic - minced
• 1 tbsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tbsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. granulated garlic
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• drizzle of olive oil

1. In a medium sized sauce pot over medium heat drizzle in some olive oil - 1 teaspoon or so. Let the pan warm up then add in the onion and sprinkle with salt to get the onion to start releasing some of the natural juices. Cook until it starts to soften and add in the garlic and stir. Turn the heat down to medium low and cook for a couple of minutes and let the garlic release that aromatic flavor. Turn the heat way down to low.
2. Next take your crushed tomatoes and in a food processor, pulse them a couple of times until they break down a little - but not totally smooth.
3. Add the tomatoes to the pan along with the dried spices and mix well to combine.
4. Cook uncovered for about 30 minutes. Taste for additional seasonings and the sauce is ready.
5. Cook up some ravioli as we did or a pasta of your choice according to package directions.

Serve a nice salad on the side and you have a complete meal. Quickly and easily.