My friend Karen gave me this recipe.  It is the best marina sauce I have had.  Not overly tomato tasting its just right.  My kids think meatballs are required but I think marina sauce with some Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top is just perfect.   Karen got this from a Betty Crocker cookbook and I have changed it only slightly.


1 chopped onion
2 cloves garlic minced
1/4 c chopped green bell pepper
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 tsp dried basil leaves (or 1 Tbsp fresh)
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves (or 1 1/2 tsp fresh)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp fennel seed
1/8 tsp pepper
1 tsp sugar
A few shakes of red pepper flakes depending on how much spice you like.

In saucepan, heat oil for 1-2 minutes. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, fennel seed, pepper, sugar and red pepper. Heat to boiling over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.  Serve over pasta.  Makes 4 servings.