homemade tomato marinara sauce

5 1/2 lbs tomatoes, [fresh or canned]
12 ounces tomato paste
3 cloves garlic, whole un-peeled
1/2 onion peeled, [un-cut]
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons parsley, dried or fresh
2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
3 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes [optional, if you like spicy]
3 tablespoons italian seasoning
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup red wine [optional]

directions

heat oven to 350 degrees.

on a greased cookie sheet place tomatoes, halved cut side up. placed unpeeled garlic, and the 1/2 onion on sheet. drizzle with olive oil, and salt and pepper. place in oven uncovered to roast for 1 hour. cool 15 minutes on a rack.

after roasting, place tomatoes, garlic, and onions in blender in batches and process until smooth. run through a strainer/sieve to remove any un-wanted skin and peels.

add tomato mixture to a stock pot with remaining ingredients and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.