My Marinara Sauce

Authentic Italian Marinara Sauce Recipe with Garlic, Onion and Plum Tomatoes

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce that is versatile and delicious. It can be used as a base for many dishes or simply served over pasta for a quick and satisfying meal.

History

Marinara sauce has its origins in Naples, Italy. It is believed to have been created in the mid-16th century when tomatoes were first introduced to Europe from the Americas. The simple combination of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs quickly became a staple in Italian cuisine.

Ingredients

6 large cloves of garlic, minced
0.5 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 (28 oz (794 g)) cans of whole plum tomatoes, hand crushed or blended
6 leaves of fresh basil, chopped
salt, to taste
0.5 tsp of crushed red pepper, or to taste

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the garlic for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns golden.
Add the onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
Add the tomatoes to the saucepan and bring the sauce to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 30 minutes.
Stir in the basil, salt, and crushed red pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
The sauce is now ready to be served over your favorite pasta or used as a base for other delicious sauces like puttanesca or alla vodka.

Variations

Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a meaty marinara sauce.
Stir in olives, capers, or anchovies for a puttanesca-style sauce.
Add cream for a creamy vodka sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Be sure to crush or blend the tomatoes to achieve a smooth consistency.

- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences by adding more or less salt and crushed red pepper.

- Simmer the sauce slowly to allow the flavors to develop fully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve marinara sauce over your favorite pasta, use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, or as a base for pizza.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the sauce slowly to allow the flavors to develop fully.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes.

- Substitute dried basil for fresh basil.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinara sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Serve marinara sauce in a decorative bowl with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair marinara sauce with a glass of red wine and a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of marinara sauce contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of marinara sauce contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of marinara sauce contains approximately 7 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of marinara sauce contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Marinara sauce is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

Marinara sauce may contain allergens such as garlic and onions.

Summary

Marinara sauce is a low-calorie, flavorful sauce that is a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce that is easy to make and delicious to eat. Serve it over pasta, use it as a dipping sauce, or as a base for other dishes. Enjoy the rich flavors and versatility of this timeless sauce.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for my Marinara Sauce. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining down on my little kitchen as I stood there, stirring a pot of tomatoes simmering on the stove. The aroma of garlic, onions, and herbs filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation of the delicious sauce that was about to come together.

I learned this recipe many years ago from my dear friend Maria, who hailed from the small town of Sicily. She was a master in the kitchen, and I was always in awe of her culinary skills. One day, she invited me over to her home to teach me how to make her famous Marinara Sauce. I eagerly accepted the invitation, excited to learn from the best.

Maria welcomed me into her kitchen with a warm smile and a hug, before ushering me over to the stove where a pot of tomatoes was already bubbling away. She handed me a wooden spoon and instructed me to stir the sauce gently, explaining that the key to a good Marinara Sauce was to let it simmer slowly and develop its flavors over time.

As we worked together, Maria shared with me the secrets of her sauce – the importance of using fresh, ripe tomatoes, the perfect balance of herbs and spices, and the patience required to allow the sauce to reach its full potential. I watched in awe as she effortlessly transformed simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful sauce that filled the room with its tantalizing aroma.

After a few hours of simmering, Maria declared the sauce ready, and we sat down to enjoy a meal together. I took a bite of the pasta smothered in her Marinara Sauce, and it was like nothing I had ever tasted before. The flavors were bold and vibrant, the texture smooth and velvety – it was pure perfection in a bowl.

From that day on, I made Maria's Marinara Sauce my own, tweaking and adjusting the recipe to suit my own tastes. I added a dash of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, a splash of red wine for depth of flavor, and a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. Each time I made the sauce, I felt a connection to Maria and her teachings, a sense of pride in carrying on her legacy in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have shared my Marinara Sauce recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of delicious, homemade Italian cooking. I have taught my grandchildren how to make the sauce, just as Maria taught me, instilling in them a love and appreciation for good food made with love and care.

As I stand in my kitchen now, stirring a pot of tomatoes on the stove, I can't help but smile as I think back on that fateful day when Maria first shared her recipe with me. The memories of her warm kitchen, her kind words, and her delicious Marinara Sauce will always hold a special place in my heart.

And as I take a taste of the sauce simmering on the stove, I know that Maria would be proud of the cook I have become, thanks to her guidance and inspiration. My Marinara Sauce may have started as her recipe, but it has evolved into something uniquely my own – a testament to the power of good food and the joy of sharing it with others.