Tomato Sauce with or without Meat

Tomato Sauce with or without Meat

Ingredients:

• 2 yellow onions, chopped
• 5 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 package of ground turkey or beef (optional)
• 6 ounce tomato paste
• 16 ounces tomato sauce
• 28 ounces whole, peeled tomatoes
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• 1 tblsp dried basil
• 1 tblsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp marjoram (extra basil and oregano can be substituted)
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a large stockpot or cast iron pan, heat oil over medium heat.  Add onions and sauté for 4 minutes, until juices have just begun to be released.  Add garlic and continue to sauté for another 3 minutes.  If using meat, add it, breaking it up with a large spoon as it cooks.  Turn heat up to brown meat and continue cooking until meat is crumbly.

Add all tomato ingredients (paste, sauce, and whole), and refill tomato paste and sauce cans with water, adding it to the pot.  Add all spice and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to a simmer and allow to simmer for 1-2 hours.  Using the side of a spoon, break up whole tomatoes as they soften.  Stir occasionally while simmering.  Can be used right away or frozen.