🍝 Angie’s Bella Marinara 🍝
Angie’s Bella Marinara is a classic Italian tomato sauce known for its rich, savory flavor and versatility. It’s a staple in Italian cuisine and can be used in various pasta dishes, as a pizza sauce, or even as a dipping sauce. Here’s a detailed look at its history, components, preparation steps, and the time needed to make it:
📜 History:
The origins of marinara sauce are somewhat debated, but it is widely believed to have its roots in Southern Italy. The term “marinara” itself is derived from the Italian word “marinaro,” which means “sailor.” Some believe that the sauce was created by Neapolitan sailors, while others attribute its creation to the wives of fishermen who would prepare it with readily available ingredients when their husbands returned from sea.
🧄 Components:
Angie’s Bella Marinara typically consists of the following ingredients:
- Tomatoes: Fresh or canned tomatoes are the base of the sauce. San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweet and rich flavor, are often preferred.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness.
- Garlic: Minced or sliced garlic cloves for aromatic flavor.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion provides sweetness and depth.
- Herbs: Basil, oregano, and sometimes thyme or bay leaves for seasoning.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
🍅 Preparation Steps:
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Prep the Ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onions, mincing the garlic, and gathering all your herbs and spices.
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Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or until fragrant.
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Add Tomatoes: Pour in your crushed or diced tomatoes. If using whole tomatoes, crush them with a spoon or a potato masher. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs (usually basil and oregano).
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Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Stir occasionally.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like it spicy, you can add red pepper flakes at this stage.
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Serve: Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from heat. It’s now ready to be used as a pasta sauce, pizza sauce, or for any other culinary creations you have in mind.
⏰ Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Angie’s Bella Marinara can vary depending on how long you simmer the sauce. However, a basic recipe can be prepared in about 45 minutes to an hour, including preparation and simmering time. The longer you simmer, the richer the flavor will become.
Enjoy your homemade Angie’s Bella Marinara sauce! 🍽️🇮🇹🍅
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for a typical serving (1/2 cup) of homemade marinara sauce:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per 1/2 cup serving):
- Calories: 60-80 calories
- Total Fat: 2-4 grams
- Sodium: 300-400 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 9-12 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 4-6 grams
- Protein: 2-3 grams
- Vitamin A: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 20-30% DV
- Calcium: 2-4% DV
- Iron: 4-6% DV
Health Information:
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Low in Calories: Marinara sauce is relatively low in calories, making it a suitable choice for those watching their calorie intake.
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Low in Fat: It typically contains a moderate amount of healthy fats from olive oil. Olive oil is a source of monounsaturated fats, which can have heart-healthy benefits.
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Moderate in Sodium: The sodium content can vary depending on the brand and recipe. It’s important to be mindful of sodium intake, especially for individuals with high blood pressure.
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Source of Vitamins: Marinara sauce is a decent source of vitamins A and C, which are important for maintaining good vision, skin health, and a healthy immune system.
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Dietary Fiber: It contains some dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and help you feel full.
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Low in Protein: While it provides a small amount of protein, marinara sauce is not a significant source of this nutrient. Consider adding protein-rich ingredients like lean meat, tofu, or beans when using the sauce in dishes to enhance its protein content.
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Low in Calcium and Iron: It contains minimal amounts of calcium and iron, so it’s important to get these nutrients from other sources in your diet.
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Tomato Benefits: Tomatoes are the primary ingredient, and they are rich in antioxidants, including lycopene, which has been associated with various health benefits, including reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Keep in mind that the specific nutrition facts may vary depending on the brand of ingredients used and any additional ingredients or variations in the recipe. It’s always a good idea to check product labels for the most accurate information and adjust portion sizes based on your dietary needs.
