Main Event Marinara Sauce

Olive oil spray
1 cup minced yellow or white onion
2 tablespoons freshly minced garlic
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons no-salt added tomato paste
2 teaspoons honey
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
salt, to taste (optional)

Spray a medium nonstick saucepan with the olive oil spray and place over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until just becoming tender (they should not brown), 4 to 6 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and with a wooden spoon stir in the tomatoes, water, tomato paste, honey, oregano, basil, and pepper flakes until well combined. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for at least 1 hour. Season with salt if needed.

Makes 7 (1/2 cup) servings; about 3 1/2 cups sauce.