Gina’s Favorite Pasta Sauce

INGREDIENTS:

3 tbsp. olive oil
1 med. onion, minced
1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c. dry white (or red) wine
1 (28 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (28 oz.) can crushed plum tomatoes
1 to 2 bay leaves
1/4 c. fresh parsley, minced (or 2 tbsp. dried parsley flakes)
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. each dried crumbled rosemary, basil, and fennel seed
1/2 to 1 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Sugar to taste
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste (if you like a heavier sauce)

DIRECTIONS:

In skillet heat oil over low to medium heat add onion, saute until soft. Add garlic saute 1 to 2 minutes more. Add wine and simmer 2 to 3 minutes. Pour into heavy saucepan with a cover. Add the rest of the ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, cover and cook one hour. Taste and adjust seasonings. (If using fresh herbs, this is the time to add them). Cover and cook 30 minutes more.

This is a good basic sauce, you may vary by adding sauteed meatballs, sausage, pork ribs or chops, or chicken pieces. Also good with fish or shell fish but add any meat or fish to give each proper cooking time.