Flavorful Vegetarian Marinara Sauce
Dive into this rich and aromatic vegetarian marinara sauce, bursting with vibrant flavors. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce, this recipe celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine while allowing the natural sweetness of tomatoes to shine through. With the option to simmer for up to two hours or longer, the sauce becomes a delightful blend of herbs and tomatoes that only gets better with time. Making it one to three days in advance is highly recommended, as the flavors meld beautifully. Need a quick dinner solution? This marinara sauce can be frozen for later use, making it a convenient meal prep staple. Don’t skip the dry red wine—it enhances the overall taste and brings depth to the sauce. Choose high-quality canned Italian Roma tomatoes for the best flavor, and feel free to adjust the seasonings to match your taste preferences. You can even toss in fresh mushrooms for extra texture and umami! Perfectly versatile and quick to prepare, this recipe is destined to become a favorite in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
3-4 tablespoons (Lightly coat the bottom of the pot)
Onion
1 large (Chopped)
Garlic
4-6 cloves (Minced (adjust to taste))
Dried basil
1 tablespoon (Rubbed between fingers to release flavor)
Dried oregano
2 teaspoons (Rubbed between fingers to release flavor)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (Optional or adjust to taste)
Tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can (Can use two cans for a thicker sauce)
Whole Roma tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (Undrained, break up with a fork before cooking)
Dry red wine
1/3-1/2 cup (Optional but recommended; can use white wine)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (Optional or to taste)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Adjust to taste)
Fresh ground black pepper
To taste (Adjust to taste)
Instructions
1
In a heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the oil, along with the dried red pepper flakes, dried basil, and oregano. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and aromatic.
3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing it to deepen in color and flavor.
4
Pour in the whole Roma tomatoes along with their juices and the dry red wine. Use a fork to break up the tomatoes as you stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
5
Simmer uncovered for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. For enhanced flavor, consider simmering longer if time allows.
6
Taste your sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, fresh ground black pepper, and sugar, if desired. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a splash of water until the desired texture is reached.
7
Allow the sauce to cool before storing, or serve immediately over your favorite pasta.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Flavorful Vegetarian Marinara Sauce?
It is a rich and aromatic vegetarian sauce made with canned Italian Roma tomatoes, red wine, and a blend of herbs, perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping.
Is this marinara sauce vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed as a flavorful vegetarian sauce.
How long should I simmer the sauce for the best flavor?
You should simmer the sauce uncovered for 1 to 2 hours, though simmering longer will further enhance the flavor.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, making it one to three days in advance is highly recommended as the flavors meld beautifully over time.
Is the marinara sauce freezer-friendly?
Absolutely, this sauce can be frozen for later use, making it an excellent meal prep staple.
What type of tomatoes are recommended for this recipe?
High-quality canned Italian Roma tomatoes are recommended for the best flavor.
Do I need to use dry red wine in the sauce?
While optional, dry red wine is highly recommended as it enhances the overall taste and adds depth to the sauce.
Can I use white wine instead of red wine?
Yes, you can substitute white wine for the dry red wine if preferred.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To achieve a thicker consistency, you can use two 6-ounce cans of tomato paste instead of one.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If you prefer a thinner consistency, simply add a splash of water until your desired texture is reached.
Can I add other vegetables like mushrooms to the sauce?
Yes, you can toss in fresh mushrooms for extra texture and umami flavor.
What is the best way to prepare dried herbs for this recipe?
Rub the dried basil and oregano between your fingers before adding them to the pot to release their natural flavors.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 to 6 cloves of minced garlic, but you can adjust this amount to your personal taste.
Should the onions be finely chopped?
Yes, use one large chopped onion and sauté it until translucent.
Is sugar necessary in the marinara sauce?
Sugar is optional; it can be used to balance the acidity and enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
What type of cookware should I use?
A heavy-bottomed stockpot or a Dutch oven is ideal for simmering the sauce evenly.
How do I handle the whole canned Roma tomatoes?
Add them to the pot with their juices and use a fork to break them up as you stir.
When should I add the tomato paste?
Stir in the tomato paste after sautéing the onions, garlic, and herbs, and cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Does the sauce need to be covered while simmering?
The recipe recommends simmering the sauce uncovered to allow it to thicken and the flavors to concentrate.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or omit them entirely to control the heat level.
What kind of oil is best for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe recommends using 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pot.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
While the recipe specifies dried basil, you can use fresh, though the flavor profile and timing of addition may change.
How much salt should be added?
Start with 1 teaspoon of salt and adjust to your preference at the end of the cooking process.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is heating olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
Is the sauce suitable for pizza topping?
Yes, this versatile sauce is perfect for use as a pizza base.
How much wine is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/3 to 1/2 cup of dry red or white wine.
Do I need to cool the sauce before storing?
Yes, allow the sauce to cool completely before placing it in storage containers for the fridge or freezer.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is designed to be accessible for home cooks.
How many ingredients are in this marinara sauce?
There are 12 primary ingredients used to create this flavorful sauce.
What makes the sauce aromatic?
The combination of sautéed garlic, onions, dried basil, and oregano creates a highly aromatic base.