I'm never without dozens of cans of them. Every time they go on sale, I stock up. They are the thrifty basis of many delicious and hearty meals. I'll share a few of my favorites with you, including my up-to-now closely-guarded salsa recipe. (Shhh – don't tell anyone!)

Marinara Sauce
1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp of olive oil
1 large carrot
1/2 large onion
6 cloves of garlic
1/3  large bell pepper
Add seasoning to taste:

sea salt
oregano
basil
smoked paprika
Also add the teeniest, tiniest pinch of clove – trust me.

Use your food processor to mince the carrot, onion, garlic, and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a non-reactive stock pot then add your minced veggies. Saute them until they're golden and fragrant.

Add your crushed tomatoes, then stir in your seasonings.

Simmer it for a couple of hours to meld the flavors well.

Serve this alone over pasta or add ground meat, meatballs, and extra veggies. You can also use this marinara in baked pasta dishes like lasagna.

7-Can Soup
I love a hearty vegetable soup and this recipe is made totally from canned goods and seasonings.

1 can of crushed tomatoes

1 can of white kidney beans, including liquid

1 can of green beans, including liquid

1 can of peas and carrots, including liquid

1 can of potatoes, including liquid

1 can of corn, including liquid

1 can of RoTel (tomatoes, peppers, and onions)