Basic Marinara Sauce

Olive oil
3 cloves finely chopped garlic
2 teaspoons oregano (fresh or dried)
1 tablespoon finely chopped Italian parsley
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 teaspoons finely chopped basil
1 large can tomatoes in sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste

Note:  You may increase or decrease the garlic and herbs depending on your individual taste.

Lightly brown the garlic in olive oil.  Do not burn the garlic, as it will become bitter!  Add the red pepper flakes and stir for about a minute, add the can of tomatoes and tomato paste.  Break up the tomatoes with a fork and add the parsley, basil, oregano.  Let simmer for about 1 hour.

This is a basic pasta sauce.  You can also brown some good Italian sausage before adding the other ingredients and make another delicious pasta sauce.

Cooking time:  1 hour 30 minutes