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Marinara Sauce For Spaghetti...Elf


I bought the Christmas Movie cookbook a few years ago. I have made a couple of the recipes, so decided to make another. This recipe is from the movie ELF.


Buddy the Elf pours maple syrup over his bowl of spaghetti to the horror of his stepmum and the delight of his stepbrother.



Ingredients

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 large, sweet onions, 
finely chopped

1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

2 tbsp dried Italian seasoning

2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 tsp fine sea salt

1/2 cup red wine

6lbs fresh ripe tomatoes
coarsely chopped and deseeded

2 tsp sugar (optional)

hot cooked spaghetti 
for serving

freshly grated Parmesan 
for serving

chopped fresh Italian parsley
or basil for serving

Method

1.  Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot over a medium-high heat. Add onions. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes or until tender. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, Italian seasoning, cocoa powder, red pepper flakes and salt. Cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.

2.  Stir in red wine and tomatoes. Bring to the boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer over low heat for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up large pieces of tomato.

3.  Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender for a smoother texture. Stir in sugar if desired. Keep warm.

4.  Place hot pasta in serving bowls. Top with desired amount of sauce and fresh Parmesan, and sprinkle with parsley or basil.


Enjoy with or without the Maple Syrup! 😉

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