With its simple yet vibrant combination of tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and seasonings, marinara sauce has become a staple in kitchens around the world. In this article, I will guide you through an easy-to-follow old fashioned marinara sauce recipe that will elevate your pasta creations to new heights.
1. Old Fashioned Marinara Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
Add the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir to incorporate the seasonings evenly.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. If desired, add fresh basil leaves for added freshness and flavor.
Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. The sauce can be used immediately or refrigerated for later use.
2. What To Do With Marinara Sauce?
Pasta dishes: Marinara sauce is a classic choice for pasta dishes. Toss it with cooked spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of your choice for a quick and flavorful meal. You can also add cooked meat, vegetables, or seafood to create a heartier pasta dish.
Pizza sauce: Use marinara sauce as a base for homemade pizzas. Spread it over pizza dough, add your favorite toppings, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly.
Dipping sauce: Marinara sauce makes a delicious dipping sauce for breadsticks, garlic bread, or mozzarella sticks. Simply heat the sauce and serve it alongside these tasty treats.
Baked dishes: Incorporate marinara sauce into baked dishes like lasagna, baked ziti, or stuffed shells. Layer the sauce with pasta, cheese, and other fillings to create a comforting and flavorful casserole.
Meatball or meatloaf sauce: Pour marinara sauce over cooked meatballs or meatloaf for a tasty and tangy glaze. It adds a burst of flavor and keeps the meat moist during cooking.
Eggs: Top scrambled eggs or make a breakfast burrito by adding a spoonful of marinara sauce. It adds a savory kick and pairs well with eggs.
Sandwiches: Use marinara sauce as a condiment or spread on sandwiches. It works particularly well with meatball subs, Italian sandwiches, or grilled cheese.
Appetizers: Use marinara sauce as a dipping sauce for appetizers like fried mozzarella sticks, fried ravioli, or chicken tenders. It adds a zesty and flavorful element to these finger foods.
3. How To Store Marinara Sauce?
Let the marinara sauce cool to room temperature before storing it.
Transfer the sauce to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.
Pour the marinara sauce into the container, leaving a bit of space at the top to account for expansion.
Label the container with the date and contents to keep track of freshness.
Store the marinara sauce in the refrigerator and use it within 3 to 4 days. If you want to store the sauce for longer, you can freeze it. Portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To use frozen marinara sauce, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave.
4. Difference Between Marinara Sauce & Spaghetti Sauce?
The main difference between marinara sauce and spaghetti sauce is that marinara sauce typically does not contain meat. So, spaghetti sauce tends to have a heartier and richer flavor compared to marinara sauce, thanks to the addition of meats
By following this old fashioned marinara sauce recipe, you have the power to customize the flavors to suit your taste preferences. So, embrace the magic of homemade marinara sauce, savor its delightful flavors, and let it bring an authentic taste of Italy to your kitchen.
