Savor the rich, robust flavors of Italy right in your own kitchen with this quick marinara sauce recipe. A homemade sauce always beats the store-bought version and this one is no exception. It's made with a blend of crushed tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a touch of olive oil. This versatile sauce can instantly elevate any pasta dish, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire.
All the ingredients required for this recipe are fairly common and can be easily found in any supermarket. One thing to note is the type of canned tomatoes used. Crushed tomatoes are best as they give the sauce a chunkier, more rustic texture. Also, when choosing your herbs, go for fresh ones. Fresh basil and oregano will give your sauce a vibrant, aromatic flavor that dried herbs just can't match.
Quick Marinara Sauce Ingredients
Olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic and adds a subtle richness to the sauce.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with a robust, aromatic flavor.
Crushed tomatoes: Form the base of the sauce, giving it a chunky, rustic texture.
Bay leaf: Adds a subtle depth and complexity to the sauce.
Oregano: Gives the sauce a hint of sweetness and earthiness.
Fresh basil: Brings a fragrant, peppery flavor to the sauce.
Salt and fresh pepper: Used to season the sauce, enhancing all the other flavors.
One reader, Gav Seidel says:
This quick marinara sauce recipe is a game-changer! It's so easy to make and tastes like it's been simmering for hours. The flavors are rich and robust, and the fresh basil adds a lovely touch. I'll never go back to store-bought sauce again!
Key Techniques for Making Quick Marinara Sauce
How to sauté garlic: In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until golden, being careful not to burn.
How to simmer the sauce: After adding the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and bay leaf, stir and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
How to finish the sauce: Once the sauce is done simmering, remove it from the heat and add the fresh basil. Mix it in well before serving.
How To Make Quick Marinara Sauce
This marinara sauce is made flavorful with oregano, basil, and bay leaf, making it a flavorful and well-rounded sauce perfect for pasta and salads.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tspolive oil
- 2cloves garlic,smashed
- 28ozcan crushed tomatoes
- 1small bay leaf
- 1tsporegano
- 2tbspchopped fresh basil
- salt and fresh pepper,to taste
Instructions
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In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add garlic and saute until golden, being careful not to burn.
-
Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir and reduce heat to low.
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Cover and let simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
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Remove from heat and add fresh basil.
Nutrition
- Calories: 52.35kcal
- Fat: 1.16g
- Saturated Fat: 0.17g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.61g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.24g
- Carbohydrates: 10.43g
- Fiber: 2.74g
- Sugar: 5.84g
- Protein: 2.32g
- Sodium: 315.28mg
- Calcium: 53.49mg
- Potassium: 402.16mg
- Iron: 1.90mg
- Vitamin A: 17.37µg
- Vitamin C: 12.68mg
Crucial Technique for Enhancing Marinara Sauce Flavor
When adding the garlic to the heated olive oil, make sure to continuously stir it. This will prevent the garlic from burning and will evenly distribute its flavor throughout the oil. Additionally, when adding the basil, it's best to tear it by hand rather than chopping it. This will help to release the aromatic oils, enhancing the flavor of your marinara sauce.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Marinara Sauce
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and immersion blenders to speed up prep work.
Batch cooking: Make larger quantities of sauces or bases and freeze them for future use to save time on busy days.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.
Efficient multitasking: Plan your cooking process to maximize efficiency by working on multiple tasks simultaneously.
Substitute Ingredients For Quick Marinara Sauce Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar flavor profile and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in marinara sauce.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, adding a unique depth to the marinara sauce.
crushed tomatoes - Substitute with diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for crushed tomatoes, providing a chunkier texture to the marinara sauce.
bay leaf - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can add a subtle earthy flavor similar to bay leaf, enhancing the complexity of the marinara sauce.
oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used as a substitute for oregano, imparting a slightly different herbaceous note to the marinara sauce.
fresh basil - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can offer a vibrant, herbaceous flavor similar to basil, complementing the overall taste of the marinara sauce.
How to Beautifully Present Homemade Marinara Sauce
Elevate the plating: When presenting the marinara sauce, consider using a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant color and texture of the sauce. This will allow the sauce to take center stage and captivate the senses.
Garnish with fresh basil: Sprinkle delicate, freshly torn basil leaves over the marinara sauce just before serving. The bright green color and aromatic fragrance will add a touch of elegance and freshness to the dish.
Pair with artisanal bread: Serve the marinara sauce alongside warm, crusty artisanal bread for dipping. The combination of the rich, flavorful sauce and the hearty bread will create a delightful sensory experience for the diners.
Incorporate a drizzle of high-quality olive oil: A drizzle of top-tier olive oil over the marinara sauce will not only enhance the flavor but also add a luxurious sheen to the dish, elevating its visual appeal.
Present in individual ramekins: For a sophisticated touch, consider serving the marinara sauce in individual ramekins to create a personalized and refined dining experience for each guest.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Marinara Sauce
- Medium pot: A medium-sized cooking vessel used for simmering, boiling, and stewing ingredients.
- Olive oil: A staple cooking oil used for sautéing, frying, and dressing.
- Garlic: A pungent and flavorful bulb used to add depth of flavor to dishes.
- Can opener: A tool used to open canned ingredients such as crushed tomatoes.
- Bay leaf: A fragrant leaf used to add subtle herbal notes to sauces and stews.
- Oregano: A popular herb with a robust flavor, commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine.
- Chopping board: A flat, sturdy surface used for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Knife: A versatile cutting tool used for slicing, dicing, and mincing ingredients.
- Stirring spoon: A long-handled utensil used for stirring and mixing ingredients in pots and pans.
- Cover: A lid or cover used to enclose the pot during simmering to retain heat and moisture.
- Food tongs: A gripping tool used for handling and turning ingredients while cooking.
- Measuring spoons: Utensils used for accurately measuring small amounts of ingredients.
- Measuring cups: Utensils used for accurately measuring larger amounts of liquid or dry ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Marinara Sauce
Once the marinara sauce has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or jar. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion if you plan to freeze the sauce.
If storing in the refrigerator, the marinara sauce will keep well for up to 5 days. This is perfect for meal prepping or having a quick and delicious sauce ready to go for your favorite pasta dishes.
For longer storage, you can freeze the marinara sauce for up to 3 months. To freeze, pour the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. If using bags, make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
When you're ready to use the frozen marinara sauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even thawing.
Once thawed, reheat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. If the sauce seems too thick after thawing, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
For convenient portion control, consider freezing the marinara sauce in smaller quantities, such as in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the sauce cubes to a freezer-safe bag for easy storage. This way, you can thaw only the amount of sauce you need for a single serving or recipe.
How To Reheat Leftover Marinara Sauce
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover marinara sauce to a saucepan and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the sauce doesn't burn or stick to the bottom of the pan. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or olive oil to thin it out.
Microwave method: pour the leftover marinara sauce into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid. Heat the sauce in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot. This method is quick and convenient, but it may cause the sauce to splatter or heat unevenly.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover marinara sauce to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through. This method is ideal if you're reheating a large quantity of sauce or if you're reheating it alongside other dishes.
Double boiler method: fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl containing the leftover marinara sauce on top of the pot, making sure that the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir the sauce occasionally as it heats up. This gentle heating method prevents the sauce from burning or sticking, making it a great option for delicate sauces or if you're reheating a small quantity.
Slow cooker method: transfer the leftover marinara sauce to a slow cooker and heat it on low for 1-2 hours, or until it's heated through. This method is perfect if you're reheating a large batch of sauce or if you want to keep the sauce warm for an extended period. It's also a great option if you're preparing other dishes and want to free up stovetop space.
Interesting Trivia About Marinara Sauce
The quick marinara sauce recipe is a versatile base that can be customized with additional ingredients such as onions, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of red wine for added depth of flavor. It's a simple and delicious way to elevate your pasta dishes.
Is Making Marinara Sauce at Home Cost-Effective?
This quick marinara sauce recipe is highly cost-effective for households. With simple and affordable ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and canned tomatoes, it offers a budget-friendly option for families. The versatility of this sauce makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen, providing a flavorful base for a variety of dishes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is Marinara Sauce Healthy or Unhealthy?
This quick marinara sauce recipe is relatively healthy, as it primarily consists of crushed tomatoes, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The use of fresh garlic and basil adds flavor and additional health benefits. Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, while basil contains antioxidants and essential oils that may help protect against certain diseases. The recipe also uses a minimal amount of olive oil, which is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats.
However, there are a few ways to make this recipe even healthier:
- Use low-sodium crushed tomatoes to reduce the overall sodium content
- Add more vegetables to the sauce, such as diced onions, carrots, or bell peppers, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Replace the olive oil with a small amount of vegetable broth or water to reduce the calorie and fat content
- Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a more potent flavor and added health benefits
- Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick and potential metabolism-boosting effects
Editor's Opinion on This Quick Marinara Sauce Recipe
This quick marinara sauce recipe is a simple yet flavorful addition to any dish. The combination of garlic, oregano, and fresh basil creates a robust and aromatic sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. The use of crushed tomatoes provides a rich and thick texture, while the bay leaf adds a subtle depth of flavor. The quick cooking time ensures that the sauce retains its fresh taste, making it a versatile and convenient option for any meal.
Enhance Your Quick Marinara Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Quick Marinara Sauce
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Marinara Sauce
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