Marinara Sauce

Posted in European Recipes, Quick and Easy Recipes
Marinara Sauce
A good marinara is more about restraint than complexity. Garlic blooms in olive oil, tomatoes simmer until sweet and concentrated, and basil goes in at the end so it stays fragrant. Use it for pasta, gnocchi, baked dishes, meatballs, or anything that wants a dependable red sauce.

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
  • 2 cans whole peeled tomatoes, 28 oz each
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar, optional
  • 1 small parmesan rind, optional
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, torn
  • 1 tbsp butter, optional

Instructions

  1. Start the garlic: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

  2. Add tomatoes: Crush the tomatoes by hand or with a spoon, then add them with their juices. Stir in salt, pepper, sugar if the tomatoes taste sharp, and parmesan rind if using.

  3. Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

  4. Adjust texture: Leave chunky, mash with a spoon, or blend briefly for a smoother sauce.

  5. Finish: Remove the parmesan rind. Stir in basil and butter if using, then taste and adjust salt.

Simple Tomato Sauce

Marinara is one of those recipes where simple ingredients do most of the work. Good canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and enough simmering time make a sauce that can carry pasta, gnocchi, meatballs, pizza, or sandwiches.

Tips and Variations

  • Use whole peeled tomatoes if you like a looser, more rustic sauce.
  • Add red pepper flakes for heat or basil at the end for freshness.
  • Simmer longer for a thicker sauce.
  • Freeze extra sauce in small containers so it is easy to use later.

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Servings Per Recipe: 8
  • Calories: 120

% Daily Value

  • Total Fat: 7g (9% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 1g (5% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 0mg (0% DV)
  • Sodium: 520mg (23% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 14g (5% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Vitamin A: 120mcg (13% DV)
  • Vitamin C: 25mg (28% DV)
  • Calcium: 60mg (5% DV)
  • iron: 2mg (11% DV)

Note: The “% Daily Value” (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients and preparation.