Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Slow cooker
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add the olive oil and red wine (if using) and stir to combine.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
4. If desired, stir in the sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
5. Serve the marinara sauce over your favorite pasta or use as a base for pizza or other Italian dishes.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 hours
5. Temperature:
Low heat setting on the slow cooker
Serving size:
Makes about 8 cups of sauce
Nutritional information:
Per serving (1/2 cup):
Calories: 92
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 407mg
Sugar: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried herbs, but use 3 times the amount called for in the recipe.
- Vegetable or chicken broth can be used instead of red wine.
- Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of sugar.
Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or meatballs to the sauce for a meaty marinara.
- Stir in chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the sauce smoother, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce before serving.
- Freeze leftover sauce in individual portions for easy meal prep.
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the marinara sauce in a large bowl with a ladle for guests to serve themselves. Alternatively, spoon the sauce over individual plates of pasta or pizza.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh basil over the sauce before serving.
Pairings:
Serve the marinara sauce with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. It also pairs well with pizza, meatballs, or eggplant parmesan.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the marinara sauce with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid from the slow cooker and cook on high for 30 minutes to 1 hour to thicken it up.
- If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acidity.
Food safety advice:
- Always wash your hands and any utensils or surfaces that come into contact with raw ingredients.
- Make sure the internal temperature of the sauce reaches at least 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce that originated in Naples. It is typically made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs, and is often used as a base for pasta dishes or pizza.
Flavor profiles:
This marinara sauce is rich and flavorful, with a balance of sweetness from the tomatoes and a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the marinara sauce family-style in a large bowl or spoon it over individual plates of pasta or pizza.
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Region: Italian