Authentic Italian Tomato Marinara
This flavorful Italian Tomato Marinara sauce is an essential staple in any Italian kitchen. Crafted from ripe tomatoes and enhanced with aromatic herbs and spices, this versatile sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, and various Italian dishes. With its rich taste and velvety texture, it elevates any meal from simple to spectacular. Feel free to customize with red pepper flakes for a hint of spice to suit your palate. Enjoy the warmth of Italy with every bite!
N/A
Servings
212.5
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
4 ounces (Used for sautéing)
Onion
1 large (Chopped)
Garlic Cloves
4 (Minced)
Dried Basil
1 tablespoon (Dried)
Nutmeg
1 tablespoon (Ground)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (Granulated)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Kosher or sea salt)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Diced Tomatoes
4 (28 ounce) cans (Drained)
Tomato Paste
10 ounces (From a can)
Red Wine
6 ounces (Dry, preferably Italian)
Butter
3 tablespoons (Unsalted)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
2
Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3
Stir in the dried basil, nutmeg, sugar, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional minute to allow the spices to bloom.
4
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
5
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
6
Let the sauce simmer for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the sauce thickens to your desired consistency and the golden oil floats on top, it is ready.
7
Finish by swirling in the butter for a glossy finish and serve hot over your favorite dishes.
Nutrition Information
16.25
Fat
16.25
Carbs
2.5
Protein
2.5
Fiber
2.25
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Italian Tomato Marinara?
It is a flavorful Italian staple sauce made from ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and spices, known for its rich taste and velvety texture.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include olive oil, onion, garlic, dried basil, nutmeg, sugar, salt, pepper, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, and butter.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for approximately 30 minutes on low heat while covered.
Can I make this marinara sauce spicy?
Yes, you can customize the sauce by adding red pepper flakes to suit your palate's preference for spice.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for four 28-ounce cans of diced tomatoes, which should be drained before adding to the pot.
What type of wine is recommended for this sauce?
A dry red wine, preferably an Italian variety, is recommended to add depth to the flavor profile.
Why is nutmeg included in a tomato sauce?
Nutmeg is used to provide an aromatic enhancement that complements the acidity of the tomatoes.
What is the purpose of adding butter at the end?
Swirling in butter at the end of the cooking process gives the marinara a glossy finish and a smoother texture.
How do I know when the sauce is finished cooking?
The sauce is ready when it has thickened to your desired consistency and you see golden oil floating on the top.
Is this marinara sauce suitable for pizza?
Yes, this versatile sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, and many other various Italian dishes.
What are the calorie counts for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 212.5 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 16.25 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
What is the carbohydrate content?
This sauce contains 16.25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this sauce contain fiber?
Yes, there are 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
How much protein does the marinara provide?
This recipe provides 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the sugar content of the sauce?
The sauce contains 2.25 grams of sugar per serving.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 4 minced garlic cloves.
How do I prepare the onion for the sauce?
One large onion should be finely chopped before being sautéed in olive oil.
What is the role of tomato paste in this recipe?
Ten ounces of tomato paste are used to thicken the sauce and intensify the tomato flavor.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of olive oil for the initial sautéing of vegetables.
Is the sodium content specified for this recipe?
The specific sodium content is not provided in the current nutritional data.
What does it mean to let the spices bloom?
It means cooking the dried basil, nutmeg, sugar, salt, and pepper in the oil for about a minute to release their essential oils and flavors.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
While the recipe specifies dried basil, you can substitute fresh basil, though it is best added toward the end of cooking to maintain its color and flavor.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar are used to balance the acidity of the canned tomatoes.
What is the preparation for the diced tomatoes?
The canned diced tomatoes should be drained of their excess liquid before being added to the sauce.
Is this sauce considered a 'staple' in Italian cooking?
Yes, this marinara is an essential staple in many Italian kitchens due to its versatility.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 12 distinct ingredients used to create this sauce.
Is the cholesterol content available?
The cholesterol content for this specific recipe is not listed in the nutritional facts.
Can this be considered a homemade comfort food?
Absolutely, it is tagged as both 'homemade' and 'comfort food' because of its warm, rich flavors.