The Best Marinara Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Marinara sauce is a classic Italian sauce that is versatile and can be used in various dishes such as pasta, pizza, and even as a dipping sauce. The perfect marinara sauce is rich in flavor, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. In this article, we will share the best marinara sauce recipe that you can easily make at home. So, let’s dive in and learn how to create this delicious sauce from scratch.
Ingredients
To make the best marinara sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Steps
Now that we have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s move on to the steps of making the best marinara sauce.
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Sprinkle in the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir again to ensure that all the seasonings are evenly distributed.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. After 30 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the fresh basil leaves, which will add a burst of freshness to the sauce.
6. Your homemade marinara sauce is now ready to be used! You can serve it immediately or let it cool down before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Variations
While the basic marinara sauce recipe is delicious on its own, you can also try out some variations to add your own twist to the sauce. Here are a few ideas:
Spicy Marinara Sauce
If you like a bit of heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while it simmers. Be cautious with the amount, as you don’t want to overpower the other flavors.
Creamy Marinara Sauce
For a creamy twist, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of the cooking process. This will give the sauce a rich and silky texture.
Roasted Garlic Marinara Sauce
To add depth of flavor, you can roast the garlic before adding it to the sauce. Simply wrap the garlic cloves in aluminum foil and roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes until they become soft and golden. Then, squeeze the roasted garlic into the saucepan and proceed with the recipe.
Tips
– Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor. Look for brands that use San Marzano tomatoes, as they are known for their rich and sweet taste.
– If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender to puree it before adding the fresh basil leaves.
– Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. You can add more or less of the dried herbs, sugar, or salt according to your preferences.
Conclusion
Making your own marinara sauce from scratch is not only easy but also allows you to control the flavors and tailor it to your liking. The best marinara sauce is made with simple ingredients and a little bit of love. Whether you use it as a pasta sauce, pizza topping, or dipping sauce, this homemade marinara sauce will elevate your dishes to a whole new level. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?
A: Absolutely! You can use fresh tomatoes if they are in season. Simply blanch them, remove the skins, and chop them before adding them to the saucepan.
Q: How long can I store the marinara sauce?
A: You can store the marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can also freeze it for up to three months.
Q: Can I add meat to the marinara sauce?
A: Of course! If you prefer a meaty marinara sauce, you can brown some ground beef or Italian sausage and add it to the sauce while it simmers. This will add an extra layer of flavor to the sauce.
Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
A: Yes, you can use fresh basil and oregano instead of dried. Keep in mind that the flavors of fresh herbs are more delicate, so you may need to add a bit more to achieve the desired taste.
Q: Can I make the marinara sauce spicy without adding red pepper flakes?
A: If you don’t have red pepper flakes on hand, you can use cayenne pepper or even a finely chopped fresh chili pepper to add spiciness to the sauce. Adjust the amount according to your heat tolerance.