Arabella Lombardi Marinara sauce is a classic Italian sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. It is a versatile sauce that can be used on pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. Making marinara sauce from scratch is easy and only requires a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned tomatoes, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve the marinara sauce over pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes.
- If you don’t have any dried oregano or basil, you can use fresh herbs instead. Just add them at the end of cooking so they don’t lose their flavor.
- Add a pinch of sugar to the sauce to help balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 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 thin, you can simmer it for a few minutes longer to reduce it.
Benefits:
- Marinara sauce is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene.
- Lycopene is an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
- Marinara sauce is also a low-calorie, low-fat sauce that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.
Summary:
Marinara sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that is easy to make at home. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and it can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.
marinara sauce recipe with fresh tomatoes
Marinara sauce is a classic Italian sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. It is a versatile sauce that can be used on pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. Making marinara sauce from scratch is easy and only requires a few simple ingredients.
- Fresh tomatoes: The key to a great marinara sauce is using fresh, ripe tomatoes. This will give the sauce a rich, flavorful taste.
- Garlic: Garlic is another essential ingredient in marinara sauce. It adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- Onions: Onions add sweetness and depth of flavor to marinara sauce. They also help to thicken the sauce.
- Herbs: Herbs such as oregano and basil are commonly used in marinara sauce. They add a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the sauce.
- Olive oil: Olive oil is used to saut the vegetables in marinara sauce. It adds a rich, fruity flavor to the sauce.
These five key aspects are essential to making a delicious marinara sauce. By using fresh, high-quality ingredients and following the steps in the recipe, you can easily make a marinara sauce that will impress your family and friends.
1. Fresh tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes are the key to a great marinara sauce because they add a rich, flavorful taste that cannot be replicated with canned tomatoes. Canned tomatoes are often picked before they are fully ripe, which means they do not have the same sweetness and depth of flavor as fresh tomatoes. In addition, canned tomatoes often contain added salt and preservatives, which can alter the taste of the sauce.
- Flavor: Fresh tomatoes have a much more intense flavor than canned tomatoes. This is because fresh tomatoes are allowed to ripen on the vine, which develops their sugars and acids. Canned tomatoes, on the other hand, are often picked before they are fully ripe and then cooked in a factory, which can destroy some of their flavor.
- Texture: Fresh tomatoes have a firmer texture than canned tomatoes. This is because fresh tomatoes contain more pectin, a natural thickener. Canned tomatoes, on the other hand, often have a mushy texture because they have been cooked for a long time.
- Nutritional value: Fresh tomatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene. Canned tomatoes, on the other hand, often lose some of their nutrients during processing.
If you want to make the best marinara sauce possible, it is important to use fresh, ripe tomatoes. This will give your sauce a rich, flavorful taste that will impress your family and friends.
2. Garlic
Garlic is an essential ingredient in marinara sauce because it adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the sauce. Garlic is a member of the onion family, and it has a sharp, pungent flavor that can be mellowed by cooking. When garlic is added to marinara sauce, it releases its flavor into the sauce, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.
- Flavor: Garlic is a key ingredient in marinara sauce because it adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the sauce. Garlic’s flavor comes from a compound called allicin, which is released when garlic is crushed or chopped. Allicin has a sharp, pungent flavor that can be mellowed by cooking. When garlic is added to marinara sauce, it releases its flavor into the sauce, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.
- Health benefits: Garlic is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. Garlic has also been shown to have several health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
- Versatility: Garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. In addition to marinara sauce, garlic can be used in soups, stews, stir-fries, and salad dressings.
Overall, garlic is an essential ingredient in marinara sauce because it adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the sauce. Garlic is also a healthy and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.
3. Onions
Onions are an essential ingredient in marinara sauce because they add sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce. They also help to thicken the sauce, making it a rich and flavorful condiment for pasta, pizza, and other dishes.
The sweetness of onions comes from their high sugar content. When onions are cooked, the sugars caramelize, creating a rich, sweet flavor. The depth of flavor in onions comes from their sulfur compounds. These compounds give onions their characteristic pungent smell and taste. When onions are cooked, the sulfur compounds mellow and add a savory flavor to the sauce.
In addition to their flavor, onions also help to thicken marinara sauce. Onions contain a lot of pectin, a natural thickener. When onions are cooked, the pectin is released into the sauce, creating a thicker, more viscous consistency.
Overall, onions are an essential ingredient in marinara sauce because they add sweetness, depth of flavor, and thickness to the sauce. Without onions, marinara sauce would be a much less flavorful and satisfying condiment.
Here are some tips for using onions in marinara sauce:
- Use yellow or white onions for the best flavor.
- Chop the onions finely so that they cook evenly.
- Cook the onions over medium heat until they are softened and translucent.
- Add the onions to the marinara sauce and simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Herbs
Herbs are an essential ingredient in marinara sauce, adding a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the savory notes of the garlic and onions. Oregano and basil are the most commonly used herbs in marinara sauce, but other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and marjoram can also be used.
- Flavor: Herbs add a complex layer of flavor to marinara sauce. Oregano has a slightly bitter, earthy flavor, while basil has a sweeter, more floral flavor. The combination of these two herbs creates a well-balanced flavor profile that is both savory and refreshing.
- Aroma: Herbs also add a wonderful aroma to marinara sauce. The volatile compounds in herbs are released when they are heated, creating a fragrant smell that is both inviting and appetizing.
- Health benefits: Oregano and basil are both good sources of vitamins and minerals. Oregano is a good source of vitamin K, vitamin A, and iron, while basil is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and magnesium. Herbs also contain antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals.
Overall, herbs are an essential ingredient in marinara sauce, adding flavor, aroma, and health benefits. When choosing herbs for your marinara sauce, be sure to use fresh herbs whenever possible. Fresh herbs will have a more intense flavor and aroma than dried herbs.
5. Olive oil
Olive oil is an essential ingredient in marinara sauce, adding a rich, fruity flavor to the sauce. Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. It also contains antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals.
- Flavor: Olive oil adds a rich, fruity flavor to marinara sauce. The flavor of olive oil comes from the olives that it is made from. Different types of olives produce different flavors of olive oil. For example, extra virgin olive oil has a more intense flavor than regular olive oil.
- Aroma: Olive oil also adds a wonderful aroma to marinara sauce. The aroma of olive oil comes from the volatile compounds in the oil. These compounds are released when the oil is heated, creating a fragrant smell that is both inviting and appetizing.
- Health benefits: Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Monounsaturated fats can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Olive oil also contains antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals.
Overall, olive oil is an essential ingredient in marinara sauce, adding flavor, aroma, and health benefits. When choosing olive oil for your marinara sauce, be sure to use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits.
Marinara sauce is a classic Italian sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. It is a versatile sauce that can be used on pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. Marinara sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine and is enjoyed by people all over the world.
Marinara sauce has a number of benefits. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. Marinara sauce is also a low-calorie, low-fat sauce that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.
The history of marinara sauce is long and storied. It is believed that the sauce originated in Naples, Italy, in the 16th century. The sauce was originally made with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Over time, onions and herbs were added to the sauce, creating the marinara sauce that we know today.
Marinara sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you are using it on pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce, marinara sauce is sure to please everyone at the table.
FAQs about marinara sauce with fresh tomatoes
Marinara sauce is a classic Italian sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. It is a versatile sauce that can be used on pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. Marinara sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine and is enjoyed by people all over the world.
Here are some frequently asked questions about marinara sauce with fresh tomatoes:
Question 1: What is the difference between marinara sauce and tomato sauce?
Marinara sauce is a type of tomato sauce, but it is typically made with fewer ingredients and has a thinner consistency. Marinara sauce is also typically cooked for a shorter amount of time, which gives it a brighter, fresher flavor.
Question 2: What are the best tomatoes to use for marinara sauce?
The best tomatoes to use for marinara sauce are ripe, in-season tomatoes. Roma tomatoes are a good choice because they are meaty and have a low water content. San Marzano tomatoes are also a good choice, but they can be more expensive.
Question 3: How can I make my marinara sauce thicker?
There are a few ways to thicken marinara sauce. One way is to simmer the sauce for a longer period of time. Another way is to add a thickening agent, such as cornstarch or flour. You can also add some bread crumbs or grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
Question 4: How can I store marinara sauce?
Marinara sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze the sauce, let it cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container.
Question 5: What are some tips for making the best marinara sauce?
Here are a few tips for making the best marinara sauce:
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes.
- Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or until it has thickened.
- Add some fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, to the sauce.
- Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
Question 6: What are some common mistakes people make when making marinara sauce?
Here are a few common mistakes people make when making marinara sauce:
- Using canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.
- Not simmering the sauce for long enough.
- Adding too much sugar to the sauce.
- Overcrowding the pan when cooking the sauce.
Conclusion
Marinara sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used on pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. It is a staple in Italian cuisine and is enjoyed by people all over the world. Marinara sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs, and it is typically simmered for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
There are many different ways to make marinara sauce, but the basic ingredients and steps are always the same. The most important thing is to use fresh, ripe tomatoes and to simmer the sauce for long enough to allow the flavors to develop. With a little practice, you can make a delicious marinara sauce that will impress your family and friends.