Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Special equipment needed: None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper and stir to combine.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, and brown sugar and stir to combine.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
10 minutes preparation, 30 minutes cooking
Temperature: Medium heat
Serving size: Makes about 4 cups of sauce
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes, but you will need to peel and seed them first.
- You can use white wine instead of red wine.
- You can use honey instead of brown sugar.
Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a meaty marinara sauce.
- Add sliced mushrooms for a vegetarian marinara sauce.
- Add chopped olives or capers for a briny marinara sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water or chicken broth.
- If the sauce is too spicy, you can reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.
Storage instructions:
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the sauce over pasta, pizza, or meatballs.
- Garnish with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too acidic, you can add a pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acidity.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the sauce to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Marinara sauce originated in Naples, Italy in the 16th century.
Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, tangy, savory
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the sauce hot over your favorite pasta or use it as a pizza sauce.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Italian
Taste: Spicy, Tangy, Tomato, Herbal, Savory, Aromatic, Tomato-Y