Recipe: Marinara

This recipe for Marinara sauce is a basic one. I consider it a base recipe for a number of other sauces … but it is also delicious on its own. It’s an easy recipe… and depending on how much time you want to spend making it .. it can be quick also.

What I mean by “how much time you want to spend making it” is the recipe really can be ready after about 30 minutes of simmering. However, I like to simmer it much longer… giving the ingredients time to slowly cook… for an even better flavor.

Growing up I had a friend who's Mother probably doubled this recipe and then had it simmering for hours.. the house always smelled fabulous and the sauce was so good.. there always seemed to be sauce on the stove..

TIPS

As I said… this can be ready in 30 minutes… I would recommend if you are doing the 30 minute version.. use crushed tomatoes instead of the canned diced tomatoes … I think it will cook faster with those.

I use Hunts diced tomatoes… with Basil Garlic and Oregano. You can use plain or another variety.. whichever you prefer. If you use a different variety.. you will need to adjust the seasoning a bit.

Adjust the seasoning to your liking… but adjust them after it has cooked a while so you can get the full flavor of what you already have put into it.

Using diced tomatoes makes for a chunkier sauce… you can use an immersion blender or stick blender to thicken the sauce and make it less chunky.

If you prefer a smoother, thicker sauce… use crushed tomatoes and add about 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.

Tomato paste also is available in seasoned varieties.

Many recipes use brown sugar in their sauce… I’ve tried it… and really don’t see that noticeable a difference from using white sugar.

I added white wine to my sauce… the alcohol does cook off… however.. if you do not cook with alcohol… leave it out.. the sauce will still be delicious!

This will serve 4.







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Recipe: Marinara

All you need:

1 large onion, finely chopped
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cans Hunts Diced Tomatoes with Basil Garlic and Oregano
½ cup dry white wine
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)

All you need to do:

In a sauce pot, heat the olive oil over medium high heat.

Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are translucent.

Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer.

Simmer for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Optional: Remove from the heat and using an immersion blender, blend until desired consistency