My “Base for Everything” Zippy Marinara Sauce
This delightful marinara sauce is a versatile base for countless Italian dishes, including lasagna, manicotti, eggplant parmesan, and the classic spaghetti with meatballs. Its rich flavors and slight chunkiness make it a perfect addition to many meals, while also standing strong on its own. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a feast for family and friends, this sauce will not disappoint. Notably, it can be easily halved, yielding enough for one large pan of your favorite baked pasta dish, and it freezes wonderfully for those days when you crave homemade sauce without the hassle.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2/3 cup |
| Onions | 2 medium, chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Italian tomatoes (canned) | 6 cups |
| Dried oregano | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Dried basil | 2 teaspoons |
| Sugar | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Peperoncino piccante concentrate | 1 ½ teaspoons (or 1 tsp red pepper flakes if unavailable) |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutritional Element | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 306.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 24.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 30.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.9 g |
| Sugars | 12.2 g |
| Protein | 4.2 g |
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare the Base: Begin by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Allow it to warm until shimmering, which will enhance the flavor of the oil and provide a great foundation for the sauce.
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Sauté the Onions: Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions to the pot. Cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and start to soften. This step builds a sweet and aromatic base for your sauce.
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Incorporate the Garlic: Next, add the minced garlic (and the red pepper flakes if you’re opting for a bit of heat). Sauté the garlic for one minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor to the sauce.
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Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the canned Italian tomatoes, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. The tomatoes are the star of the show, providing the rich and tangy flavor that marinara is known for.
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Season the Sauce: To the mixture, add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, peperoncino (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Make sure to crumble the dried herbs between your fingers as you add them; this releases their essential oils and enhances the flavor profile of the sauce.
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Stir and Simmer: Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, allowing it to cook uncovered for one hour. During this time, the sauce will reduce slightly and thicken, concentrating the flavors beautifully.
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Finishing Touches: After an hour, taste your marinara sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use a hand blender to puree it to your desired texture, though many enjoy the rustic chunkiness of the sauce.
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Serve or Store: Use this marinara sauce immediately over your favorite pasta, in lasagna, or any dish you desire. Alternatively, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for several months, making it a convenient staple in your kitchen.
This “Base for Everything” Zippy Marinara Sauce promises to elevate your meals with its robust flavor, and with the option to customize the spice level, it caters to a range of palates. Enjoy creating memorable dishes that your family and friends will rave about!
