Authentic Bari-Style Marinara Sauce
Experience the rich and vibrant flavors of traditional Bari, Italy, with this exquisite marinara sauce recipe, lovingly passed down from Maria Maffei, a true culinary gem from the region. This remarkably simple yet flavorful sauce is made from high-quality ingredients that bring a taste of Italy right into your kitchen. With no wine or sugar added, the focus remains on the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, complemented by fragrant herbs and fresh garlic. This sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, especially when enriched with Italian sausage for a hearty meal, but can also be frozen for future enjoyment. Once you taste this marinara, you'll never reach for a jarred option again!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (Measure and set aside.)
Fresh Garlic Cloves
2 (Sliced super thin.)
Crushed Tomatoes (Redpack brand)
28 ounces (Can be used as is or blended into a slightly chunky texture.)
Dried Oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons (Crushed in palm before adding.)
Sea Salt
2 teaspoons (Measure and set aside.)
Freshly Ground Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Measure and set aside.)
Instructions
1
In a 4-quart pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the thinly sliced garlic to the pot, sautéing gently until the edges turn a light golden brown. Keep a close eye on the garlic to prevent burning, which would impart a bitter flavor.
3
Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, ensuring they retain a slightly chunky texture. Increase the heat slightly until the mixture bubbles, avoiding a full boil.
4
With one hand, crush the dried oregano over the pot, releasing its essential oils, and add the sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
5
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta or allow it to cool before freezing for future meals.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Bari-Style Marinara Sauce?
It is a rich and vibrant tomato sauce originating from Bari, Italy, characterized by its simple ingredients and lack of added sugar or wine.
Who is the source of this recipe?
This recipe was lovingly passed down from Maria Maffei, a culinary gem from the Bari region of Italy.
Does this marinara sauce contain sugar?
No, this recipe contains no added sugar, relying instead on the natural sweetness of high-quality tomatoes.
Is wine used in this authentic Bari-style recipe?
No wine is added to this sauce, keeping the focus on the fresh flavors of herbs, garlic, and tomatoes.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How should the garlic be prepared for this sauce?
The 2 cloves of fresh garlic should be sliced super thin.
What brand of tomatoes is recommended?
The recipe specifically mentions Redpack brand crushed tomatoes for the best results.
What is the recommended texture for the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should retain a slightly chunky texture, though they can be blended if a smoother sauce is preferred.
How much oregano is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried oregano.
What is the secret to releasing the flavor of the dried oregano?
You should crush the dried oregano in your palm or with one hand over the pot to release its essential oils.
How much sea salt should be added?
You should add 2 teaspoons of sea salt to the sauce.
How much black pepper is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
What size pot is recommended for cooking the sauce?
A 4-quart pot is the ideal size for preparing this recipe.
How long should the garlic be sautéed?
Sauté the garlic gently until the edges turn a light golden brown, being careful not to burn it.
What happens if the garlic burns?
If the garlic burns, it will impart a bitter flavor to the entire sauce.
Should the sauce reach a full boil?
No, you should increase the heat until the mixture bubbles, but avoid reaching a full boil.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 20 minutes on medium-low heat.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
Yes, cover the pot while the sauce simmers for those 20 minutes.
How often should I stir the sauce during the simmering process?
You should stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Can this marinara sauce be frozen?
Yes, this sauce is freezer-friendly and can be allowed to cool before being frozen for future meals.
What is a good way to turn this into a heartier meal?
You can enrich the sauce by adding Italian sausage for a heartier pasta dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: olive oil, garlic, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, sea salt, and pepper.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include marinara sauce, pasta sauce, Italian cooking, Bari Italy, easy recipe, homemade sauce, and no sugar.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as a remarkably simple yet flavorful recipe suitable for home cooks.
Can I serve the sauce immediately?
Yes, once the seasoning is adjusted after simmering, it can be served immediately over your favorite pasta.
What should I do if the sauce tastes under-seasoned?
After simmering, you should taste the sauce and adjust the sea salt or pepper if necessary.
What is the primary flavor profile of this sauce?
The sauce focuses on the natural sweetness of tomatoes complemented by fragrant oregano and fresh garlic.
What heat setting is used for sautéing the garlic?
The garlic should be sautéed over medium heat until the olive oil is shimmering.
Can I use this sauce for something other than pasta?
While perfect for pasta, its rich flavor makes it a versatile base for many Italian-style dishes.
Why is this sauce better than store-bought options?
It uses high-quality ingredients and traditional methods to create a vibrant flavor that jarred options cannot replicate.