Easy Marinara Sauce

Work has been a little crazy the last couple of weeks so I've not had as much time to cook elaborate meals. As a result we've eaten out a little more than normal, and the meals I have cooked have been either ones I can cook from memory, or those than can be made in less than an hour.

This meal was a quick substitute for my usual spicy spaghetti and turkey meatballs that, while delicious, takes close to two hours from start to finish. Instead of 2 hours, we were ready to eat in 45 minutes, which is great for a busy weeknight. So keep this in mind the next time you want a quick meal that tastes fresh and homemade. And leave the take out for another night.

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Easy Marinara Sauce


Ingredients
1 28 ounce can whole plum tomatoes (preferably San Marzano tomatoes)
5 tablespoons butter
1 medium yellow onion halved
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar

Instructions
Roughly chop the canned tomatoes.

 Place in a large saucepan with the onion and butter.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.

 After 45 minutes remove the onion and discard.

 Add the brown sugar and stir until mixed in.

 Serve over whole wheat spaghetti and grilled Italian sausage.

Source: Adapted from Steamy Kitchen

Fast and Easy Green Beans

Growing up, green beans were always served out of a can, mainly because that's the way my dad liked it. The first time I had fresh green beans I enjoyed the taste, but the texture of increased crunch wasn't much to my liking. I've since discovered a few things that keep the fresh taste but improve on the crunchiness greatly. And, bonus, this side dish is the easiest and fastest recipe and I turn to it often.

The first secret for making these perfect green beans is to use haricot verts or French green beans instead of the American variety, their smaller size and sweeter flavor really makes a difference. Also, I like to let them char just a little. I think it adds great depth to the flavor and caramelizes them just a bit. Other than that just throw the beans, butter, water and a touch of salt and pepper into the skillet and you're pretty much done. I highly recommend it!

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Fast and Easy Green Beans


Ingredients
1 pound fresh haricot verts, trimmed and rinsed
1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup water
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

After trimming and rinsing, place the green beans in the skillet. Add in the water, 

butter, salt and pepper.

Cover and turn the burner on high cooking for 7-8 minutes, or until tender and slightly charred.

Serve with your favorite main course dish.