The North End Italian Marinara Sauce - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried mint
28 28 ounces plum tomatoes, with juice or 12 fresh tomatoes, peeled
salt and pepper, plus
1 pinch salt and pepper, more of the above seasonings
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Preparation

In a large heavy skillet, on low heat, very slowly heat the olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, basil and mint.
Let cook for about 5 minutes or until garlic is golden brown.
If you are using the plum or fresh tomatoes, crush them in your hands or put them in a blender for 1-2 seconds (this will speed up the cooking process and give a smoother consistency to the sauce).
Raise the heat to medium high.
When oil is really hot, carefully add the tomatoes.
Let the sauce come to a soft boil.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Add a pinch more of red pepper, basil and mint.
Add the chopped parsley.
Let sauce simmer, uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.