Grandpa's Marinara

I've been wanting to share this for a while, because it is just so simple and delicious!  The problem is that when I cook, I very rarely measure....so I have a hard time explaining the recipe step-by-step.  Well, here is my very best effort in order to share Grandpa's sauce.  I think the only thing that makes his sauce different from any other marinara, is that he would caramelize the onions.  This gives the sauce a sweeter taste.  So good!

Here are the ingredients:

• 1 can of crushed tomatoes (use San Marzano's if you can....so worth it)
• 2 tbsp of tomato paste
• 1 large onion - chopped 
• 3 garlic cloves - finely chopped
• 1/2 cup of finely chopped carrots (I throw a big handful of baby carrots in my chopper)
• 2 tbsp (ish) - Extra-virgin olive oil 
• 1/3 (ish) cup of red wine (I usually use whatever I have on hand - merlot/cabernet sauvignon)
• water
• 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese
• salt
• pepper
• italian seasoning
• basil
• crushed red pepper (just a pinch)

*I'm not even going to put measurements for the seasonings - just throw in how ever much you want....sorry for not being specific!


Directions:
1.  On medium heat, saute 2/3 of the chopped onions until they are translucent.  Then add salt and pepper.  Turn the heat down to low, and continue to saute onions until they are caramelized.  You can spend as much time as you would like on this. (Do not burn them!)  Grandpa used to cook the onions down for a good 45 minutes at times.  I usually spend about a half hour, however I have done less than this and the sauce still comes out good.
2.  When your onions have reached the desired level of caramelization, add the other 1/3 of onions into the pan and saute until they are translucent.  I do this so that you have two different levels of onion taste in the sauce.  Add the rest of your seasonings after this (italian seasoning, and basil). Should look something like this....

3.  Saute garlic for about a minute or two, then add in chopped carrots for another few minutes.

4.  Add some red wine, let the alcohol cook out (you may need to turn the heat up a little bit)
5.  Add your crushed tomatoes, then put 1/2 can of water into the sauce (use the crushed tomato can -it gets all the excess).  Also, add the tomato paste.
6. Bring the sauce to a bubble, then turn the heat to low....and let it cook for at least 30 minutes (I usually let it go for an hour), stirring every once in a while.  I also add a handful or two of parmesan cheese as it cooks.  I leave the lid propped open to let some steam escape.  If the sauce gets too thick add more water.


I hope this is easy to follow, it makes a ton of sense in my head!  Haha...enjoy!!!!  :)