Garlic Lovers Marinara Sauce

I love a good, deep, and rich pasta sauce. There are many decent store brands out there. But too often they are full of unhealthy ingredients. Oil and too much salt and sugar. I've made one a couple times, but never really paid attention to the ingredients to write it down. So, its different each time I make it. I am making one today and its different from the last time I made it. So this time I paid attention. The recipe is as follows.......This makes a lot of sauce, about 10 cups in all.

1 large yellow onion, chopped small
5-8 T chopped garlic, more or less depending on taste
1 can organic tomato paste
2 cans organic chopped tomatoes
4 cans organic tomato sauce
2 T organic low sodium Better than Bouillon (BTB)
2-3 T Italian seasoning
2 T brown sugar
2-4 bay leaves


I used my instant pot for all the cooking. Using the saute program, I cooked the onion for about 15 minutes, adding only a small amount of water once it sticks. Then add the minced garlic and cook another 10 or so minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. You want them both to turn brown, the browning process is caramelizing and helps give it a rich flavor.

Next add the can of tomato paste and stir to "melt" into the onions and garlic. Add the 2 cans of chopped tomatoes and stir to mix. Using an immersion blender, blend lightly to leave thick and only slightly chunky. Next, begin adding the tomato sauce. Stir in the BTB the warm sauce. Once mixed well, add the seasoning and brown sugar stir to combine. Add the 2-4 bay leaves and cover with the Instant Pot lid and cook using the slow cooker function for about 3 hours.


Note: If you dont have an electric pressure cooker, use a pan and stove top then either cook on low for 3-4 hours or transfer to a slow cooker/crockpot.