Betsy's No Garlic Sensationally Saucy Tomato Marinara

By Betsy Vail 07/03/14

Ingredients:

• 10-15 tomatoes puréed
• 1 large onion, diced
• ½ - 1 c Cabernet Sauvignon
• ¼ - ½ c brown sugar
• 3 Tbs basil
• 3 Tbs oregano flakes
• 2 Tbs onion powder
• 3 tsp ground thyme
• 1 tsp ground sage
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• olive oil to smooth consistency

Optional additional ingredients/substitutions:

• fresh garden herbs instead of dried
• fennel seed
• diced tomatoes
• sliced olives
• sliced mushrooms
• sliced summer squash

Since tomatoes vary in size and flavor, the following adjustments could be made:

If acidic – add brown sugar

If too sweet – add lemon juice

Add pat of butter (1 Tbs at a time) to balance flavors if needed

I make large batches of marinara sauce and freeze it in quart-sized containers. (Note: Be sure to use a really large pot!) Here is the conversion for a large batch of sauce:

Large Batch of Marinara Sauce:

• 108 oz. tomato purée (I use a #10 can)
• 2 large onions, diced
• 5 c Cabernet Sauvignon (to taste)
• 2½ c brown sugar (to taste)
• 2⅓ c onion powder (to taste)
• 8 Tbs fennel seed
• 6 Tbs basil
• 6 Tbs oregano flakes
• 4 Tbs salt
• 3 Tbs ground oregano
• 2 Tbs ground thyme
• 2 tsp ground sage
• 1 tsp pepper
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 c olive oil to smooth consistency

Directions and Comments:

1. Simmer all ingredients on medium-low heat until reduced to the consistency of the desired sauce.

The above are generalized amounts and ingredient suggestions. When fresh garden tomatoes are not in season, I’ve used a 106 oz. can of puree and have adjusted the remaining ingredients according to taste (rarely measured).

Also, I make the marinara ahead of time and freeze portions for future use. 

Creative Considerations:

This is a great marinara for pizza, pasta, ragu (add seasoned ground meat or Betsy’s No Garlic Bella Tarantella-for-the-Taste-Buds Basil Chicken Sausage, sautéed lentils, etc.), and a start for Betsy’s No Garlic Fantastico Cioppino (add more wine, seafood, etc.).  Enjoy!

Yum