Basic Marinara Sauce

BASIC MARINARA SAUCE

(This recipe has 3 versions: Sugar Free Version, Spicier Version & Meaty Version (see below).

1 pound spaghetti
2 cloves garlic, peeled, chopped
1 tsp sugar
2 tbs olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
8 oz can no salt added tomato sauce
28 oz can whole tomatoes
1 medium onion, peeled, chopped

Heat oil in a saucepan. Add onion and garlic and cook 10 min. Add tomatoes and their liquid, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt and pepper. Cut tomatoes into bite size chunks in pan.
*Bring sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer 20 min. In a pot of lightly salted water, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain pasta and serve topped with marinara sauce.
MAKES 4 CUPS OF MARINARA SAUCE...

SUGAR FREE VERSION---Replace the tsp of sugar with 1/4 cup peeled, chopped carrot stirred into the oil along with onion and garlic.
SPICIER VERSION---Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes before simmering.
MEATY VERSION---Cook 1 pound lean ground beef or pork along with onion and garlic.