The North End Italian Marinara Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes or plum tomatoes, with juice or 12 fresh tomatoes, peeled
• salt and pepper, plus
• 1 pinch salt and pepper, more of the above seasonings
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. 1

   In a large heavy skillet, on low heat, very slowly heat the olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, basil and mint.

2. 2

   Let cook for about 5 minutes or until garlic is golden brown.

3. 3

   If you are using the plum or fresh tomatoes, crush them in your hands or put them in a blender for 1-2 seconds (this will speed up the cooking process and give a smoother consistency to the sauce).

4. 4

   Raise the heat to medium high.

5. 5

   When oil is really hot, carefully add the tomatoes.

6. 6

   Let the sauce come to a soft boil.

7. 7

   Add salt and pepper to taste.

8. 8

   Add a pinch more of red pepper, basil and mint.

9. 9

   Add the chopped parsley.

10. 10

    Let sauce simmer, uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.