String Beans in Marinara Sauce

String Beans in Marinara Sauce

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients
1 lb fresh string beans – ends cut off
1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce or freshly made sauce
2 tbs olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
cold water to cover string beans
Fresh marinara sauce:
2 cans crushed tomatoes (any brand will do)
4 tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic chopped
1 small onion chopped
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:
Place string beans in a large stock pot covered in salted water.  Bring to a boil add olive oil, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 1 hour.  After 1/2 hour add your marinara sauce and continue cooking occasionally stirring.  If you do not prefer the string beans soupy add less water.  Makes for a great side dish.
Fresh marinara sauce:
Heat olive oil in large stock pot.  Add onion and garlic to the olive oil, be careful not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter.  Once the onion and garlic are soft add your cans of tomatoes, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes (optional).  If you prefer your sauce to be smooth add the tomatoes to a blender before putting them in the pot.  Stir occasionally and simmer for about 1 hour.