Step 1

Pour tomatoes into a large bowl and crush with your hands or a potato masher. Pour 1 cup of water into the can to get all of the tomato juice from the can. Reserve.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it is shimmering hot, add the garlic.

Step 3

As soon as the garlic begins to sizzle, add the tomatoes, then the reserved tomato water. Stir in the red pepper flakes, oregano. Salt and pepper the marinara sauce to taste.

Step 4

Simmer tomato sauce until it is rich and thickened, about 15 minutes. Check seasonings and adjust if needed. Serve over pasta, as a pizza sauce, or in lasagna recipes. Garnish with basil before serving.