Purée diced tomatoes in a blender, you will have to purée in 2 batches
Heat olive oil in large pot
Sautée garlic for about a minute, do not allow them to brown or even burn as it will make sauce bitter
Add Italian seasoning and crushed pepper, mix well
Add puréed tomatoes
Stir in salt, sugar, and bay leaf
Let boil then turn down heat to low
Simmer sauce for about an hour
Serve over pasta or use in pizza and sandwiches, or as a dip
You can brown ground meat then add marinara sauce to make a meat sauce
You can also use it in your favorite pasta dish like Chicken or Eggplant Parmesan and spread it on your lasagnas!
Store in mason jars or sealed plastic containers in the refrigerator for about a week. Or store in freezer safe containers in your freezer for about 3 months.
