There are so many things I look forward to with a new season. I’ve always found that I am more inspired when I go through a change. I find that with a new season, new ingredients in season, new schedule changes, temperature change… it’s no wonder I’m ready for new new new. So with all that said, this isn’t a new recipe yet it’s a recipe I don’t make much during the spring/summer.

Everyone has their favorite marinara recipe. For whatever reason, that marinara is THE one, has the BEST flavor, and the perfect combination of sweet and savory notes. I will likely have another tomato sauce recipe that will make its way onto the blog in the future, but this is my family favorite marinara recipe. It has just the perfect combination of sweet basil, saltiness, tangy tomatoes with just a touch of spice at the end of every bite. I cannot tell you that my recipe is better than all your family recipes out there, but this is my go-to marinara that is simple and consistent…the way life should be right?

Ingredients:
4 (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons coconut sugar
1 1/2 dried oregano
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons salt, more to taste
1 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cayenne pepper *omit if desired
fresh basil or parsley

Directions:
1. In a large sauce pan, add olive oil and heat over medium high. Let heat up for 1-2 minutes, and add the onion. Cook onion until tender 5-7 minutes. Add garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients except basil over medium high heat until boiling. Reduce to simmer for a minimum of 2 hours, up to 4.
3. Enjoy over pasta, chicken, vegetables or whatever you like and top with basil or parsley to serve.

*This sauce will last for 1 week in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator or in the freezer up to a year.