Classic Italian American Marinara Sauce
Dive into the heart of Italian-American cuisine with this authentic marinara sauce, often lovingly referred to as 'gravy.' This rich, flavorful sauce is the foundation of countless beloved dishes, from spaghetti to meatballs. Rooted in traditional Italian recipes, this sauce combines high-quality crushed tomatoes with aromatic garlic, sweet onions, and a hint of acidity from balsamic vinegar to elevate every bite. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, a batch of this marinara can bring your meals to life, offering warmth and familiarity. Just remember to save some for my flavorful meatball recipe, which pairs beautifully with this sauce, creating a meal that feels like a hug for the soul. Whether enjoyed over a classic pasta or used as a dipping sauce, this marinara will surely remind you of home.
N/A
Servings
127
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crushed tomatoes
10 (28 ounce) cans (Use high-quality tomatoes from Italy if available.)
White onion
1 large (Roughly chopped.)
Garlic
1/2 head (Minced.)
Balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup (None.)
Salt
1/16 cup (None.)
Black pepper
1/16 cup (None.)
Olive oil
3/4 cup (None.)
Dried oregano
1/2 cup (None.)
Bay leaves
8 dried (None.)
Instructions
1
Begin by roughly chopping the onion and garlic to release their fragrances.
2
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
3
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté it until it turns soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper, mixing well for another 2 minutes to combine.
5
Increase the heat for about one minute to achieve a lively temperature before adding balsamic vinegar, stirring vigorously to deglaze the pot and catch any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
6
Once the steam rises and the pungent aroma fills the air, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to breathe for a moment.
7
Open all cans of crushed tomatoes, then slowly incorporate them into the pot, one can at a time, vigorous stirring with each addition to ensure a smooth, even consistency.
8
After mixing in all the tomatoes, return the pot to low heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered. Remember to stir occasionally as you go about your tasks—this helps prevent any sticking.
9
Allow the sauce to simmer for at least five hours, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld. If you wish, this sauce can also be transferred to a slow cooker for an effortless cooking experience—just make sure you start in a sturdy metal pot.
10
When ready to serve, spoon generously over the pasta of your choice, or let it embrace a batch of homemade meatballs. For storage, allow it to cool before pouring into zip-lock bags and freezing for later indulgence.
Nutrition Information
14.2g
Fat
3.8g
Carbs
0.9g
Protein
1.1g
Fiber
0.9g
Sugar
52.8mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Classic Italian American Marinara Sauce?
It is an authentic marinara sauce, often called 'gravy,' that serves as a rich and flavorful foundation for dishes like spaghetti and meatballs.
What is 'red gravy'?
'Red gravy' is a traditional Italian-American term for a slow-cooked, rich marinara sauce like the one featured in this recipe.
How many cans of crushed tomatoes are required?
The recipe requires 10 cans of crushed tomatoes, each being 28 ounces.
What kind of tomatoes should I use for the best results?
High-quality crushed tomatoes from Italy are recommended for the most authentic flavor.
What type of onion is used in this recipe?
One large white onion is used in this marinara sauce.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be roughly chopped to help release its fragrance during the cooking process.
How much garlic is needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for a 1/2 head of garlic, which should be minced.
What is the purpose of balsamic vinegar in the sauce?
Balsamic vinegar provides a hint of acidity and is used to deglaze the pot, catching flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of olive oil.
What dried herbs are included in the recipe?
The sauce includes 1/2 cup of dried oregano and 8 dried bay leaves.
How long should I sauté the onion?
The onion should be sautéed in olive oil over medium heat until it is soft and translucent, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
How do I deglaze the pot?
Increase the heat for about a minute to achieve a lively temperature, then add the balsamic vinegar and stir vigorously.
Why should I remove the pot from the heat before adding tomatoes?
The pot is removed from the heat once the steam rises and the pungent aroma fills the air to allow it to breathe for a moment before incorporating the tomatoes.
How should the crushed tomatoes be added to the pot?
Incorporate the tomatoes slowly, one can at a time, with vigorous stirring after each addition to ensure a smooth, even consistency.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered on low heat for at least five hours to allow the flavors to deepen and meld.
Can I cook this marinara sauce in a slow cooker?
Yes, after starting the initial sautéing and mixing in a sturdy metal pot, the sauce can be transferred to a slow cooker for an effortless experience.
How often should I stir the sauce while it simmers?
You should stir the sauce occasionally as it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
How should I store the leftover sauce?
Allow the sauce to cool completely before pouring it into zip-lock bags for storage.
Is this marinara sauce freezer-friendly?
Yes, the sauce can be frozen in zip-lock bags for later indulgence.
What dishes pair well with this marinara sauce?
It pairs beautifully with spaghetti, homemade meatballs, or any pasta of your choice.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 127 calories per serving in this marinara sauce.
What is the fat content of the sauce?
The sauce contains 14.2 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 3.8 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of the sauce?
The sauce provides 0.9 grams of protein per serving.
How much fiber is in the recipe?
There is 1.1 grams of fiber per serving.
Does this sauce contain sugar?
The recipe contains 0.9 grams of sugar per serving.
What is the sodium content per serving?
The sodium content is 52.8 milligrams per serving.
How many bay leaves are used?
The recipe uses 8 dried bay leaves.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Yes, making a large batch of this sauce is perfect for meal prepping and family dinners.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/16 cup each of salt and black pepper.