Chunky Marinara Sauce
Chunky Marinara Sauce Recipe from Italy
Introduction
Chunky marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato-based sauce that is perfect for topping pasta dishes. This hearty sauce is filled with chunks of vegetables and herbs, giving it a rich and flavorful taste.
History
Marinara sauce has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. The word "marinara" actually means "sailor-style" in Italian, and it is believed that the sauce was originally created by sailors who needed a long-lasting sauce to take on their voyages. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients, but the basic concept of a tomato-based sauce remains the same.
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1 cup diced mushrooms
- 4 cups peeled, diced tomatoes (about 8 medium)
- 1 cup tomato juice
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- balsamic vinegar, for sautéing
How to prepare
- Dice the onion, celery, zucchini, and mushrooms into 0.5-inch chunks.
- Sauté them in balsamic vinegar for about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes and mix in the tomato juice, tomato paste, herbs, and garlic.
- Simmer the sauce for 20 minutes, or until it is reduced by half.
- Serve it over pasta.
Variations
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Stir in a handful of olives or capers for a briny flavor.
- Mix in cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a meaty version of the sauce.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to dice your vegetables into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking.
- Sautéing the vegetables in balsamic vinegar adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Simmering the sauce for at least 20 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chunky marinara sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil for added flavor.
Cooking Techniques
Sautéing the vegetables in balsamic vinegar adds a rich and tangy flavor to the sauce. Be sure to simmer the sauce for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs instead. Simply reduce the amount by half, as dried herbs are more potent than fresh.
Make Ahead Tips
This chunky marinara sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve this chunky marinara sauce in a large bowl with a ladle for easy serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this chunky marinara sauce with a side salad and a glass of red wine for a complete Italian meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 120 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 25g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 1g per serving
Saturated Fat: 0g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 2g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 30% DV
Calcium: 4% DV
Iron: 6% DV
Alergens
This recipe is gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
Summary
This chunky marinara sauce is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for topping your favorite pasta dishes.
Summary
Chunky marinara sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that is perfect for topping pasta dishes. Filled with chunks of vegetables and herbs, this sauce is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Chunky Marinara Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned home from a trip to Italy. I had spent weeks exploring the beautiful countryside, sampling delicious pasta dishes, and learning about the rich culinary traditions of the region.
One evening, while dining at a quaint little trattoria in Tuscany, I was served a plate of the most incredible spaghetti pomodoro I had ever tasted. The sauce was thick and hearty, with chunks of fresh tomatoes and garlic, and a hint of basil and oregano. It was simple yet packed with flavor, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.
I asked the owner of the trattoria if he would be willing to share his recipe with me, and to my surprise, he agreed. He took me into the kitchen and showed me how to chop the tomatoes, mince the garlic, and simmer the sauce until it was thick and fragrant. He explained the importance of using only the freshest ingredients and seasoning the sauce just right.
As I watched him cook, I felt a sense of excitement and inspiration wash over me. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I could share with my family and friends for years to come. And so, armed with my newfound knowledge, I returned home and set out to recreate the Chunky Marinara Sauce that had captivated my taste buds in Italy.
I gathered all the necessary ingredients – ripe tomatoes, garlic, onions, basil, oregano, olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. I set to work chopping and sautéing, stirring and simmering, until my kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and tomatoes cooking together.
As I tasted the finished sauce, I knew that I had succeeded. The flavors were bold and vibrant, the texture was rich and chunky, and every bite was a reminder of my time in Italy. I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my family and friends, to pass on a taste of my culinary adventure and the traditions I had learned along the way.
Over the years, I have made this Chunky Marinara Sauce countless times, each batch a little different from the last as I tweak and adjust the seasonings to suit my taste. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness and asked for seconds.
And as I stand in my kitchen now, stirring a pot of bubbling sauce and inhaling the fragrant aroma of garlic and tomatoes, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to transport us to far-off places, and to bring us together around a shared table.
So here's to Chunky Marinara Sauce, a recipe that has brought me joy and nourishment, and a reminder of the endless possibilities that can be found in a simple pot of simmering tomatoes. May it continue to bring warmth and flavor to my kitchen for years to come. Buon appetito!
Categories
| Balsamic Vinegar Recipes | Basil Recipes | Better Digestion Recipes | Celery Recipes | Garlic Recipes | Italian Recipes | Mushroom Recipes | Oregano Recipes | Pasta Sauce Recipes | Red Onion Recipes | Tomato Juice Recipes | Tomato Paste Recipes | Tomato Recipes | Zucchini Recipes |