Marinara Sauce Aka Grandma'S Sauce

• 12 links italian sweet sausage or 12 meatballs
• 2 small onions, sliced
• 8 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 ounces tomato paste
• 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 14 ounces water
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup merlot (optional) or 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 1/8 cup sugar (optional)

1. Brown sausage in separate pan.
2. Garlic press the garlic (or mince) and brown in the olive oil in a large pot. When brown, add sliced onion and cook until slightly translucent.
3. Add tomatoe paste to onion mixture and mix thoroughly. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper and water and stir well.
4. Finally, add sausage (and/or meatballs--see my other recipe) and bring to light boil.
5. Once boiling, decrease heat to simmer and cover . Cook on simmer for 3-4 hours stirring occassionly.
6. If you can't wait the full 3-4 hours add a dash of sugar and it equals about 1 hour of cooking time.
7. Add red wine during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
8. Suggestion: Serve over pasta with grated parmesan, salad, and bread -- .

links italian sweet sausage, onions, garlic, olive oil, tomato, tomatoes, water, basil, salt, pepper, merlot, sugar

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/marinara-sauce-aka-grandmas-sauce-192155 (may not work)