Fresh Basil Slow-Cooker Tomato Marinara
Experience the vibrant flavors of Italy with this Fresh Basil Slow-Cooker Tomato Marinara. This delightful sauce combines the natural sweetness of roma tomatoes with the aromatic allure of fresh basil and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. Simmered to perfection in a slow cooker, this marinara is effortlessly easy to prepare. Perfect for pairing with penne pasta or using as a pizza sauce, this recipe offers a rich, authentic taste that can transform any dish into a comforting Italian classic.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
roma tomatoes
4 lbs (chopped)
onion
1 cup (diced)
garlic cloves
6 (chopped)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon
extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup
fresh basil leaf
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by chopping the roma tomatoes and dicing the onion. Finely chop the garlic cloves.
2
2. Combine in Slow Cooker: In a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker, combine the chopped tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes.
3
3. Add Olive Oil: Stir in the extra-virgin olive oil to coat all the vegetables evenly.
4
4. Cook the Sauce: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high heat for 3-4 hours or on low heat for 5-6 hours. Allow the flavors to meld together as it slowly simmers.
5
5. Puree to Desired Consistency: Once cooked, use a hand-held immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the slow cooker until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender.
6
6. Incorporate Fresh Basil: Stir the freshly chopped basil leaves into the hot, pureed sauce, allowing the basil to infuse with the marinara.
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7. Cool and Store: Let the sauce cool to room temperature before transferring to a container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to two months.
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8. Serve and Enjoy: This marinara is ideal for serving over freshly cooked pasta or as a delicious base for homemade pizza.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fresh Basil Slow-Cooker Tomato Marinara?
It is a vibrant Italian-style sauce made with roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic, simmered slowly to create a rich, authentic flavor.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What type of tomatoes are best for this sauce?
Roma tomatoes are used in this recipe for their sweetness and meaty texture, totaling about 4 lbs.
How much onion is needed for this marinara?
You will need 1 cup of diced onion for this recipe.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 finely chopped garlic cloves to provide a robust aromatic flavor.
Is this sauce suitable for vegans?
Yes, this marinara is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used in this fresh basil marinara are naturally gluten-free.
What kind of oil is recommended for this sauce?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor and texture.
How long should I cook the sauce on high heat?
If using the high setting on your slow cooker, cook the sauce for 3 to 4 hours.
What is the cooking time for the low setting?
On the low heat setting, the sauce should simmer for 5 to 6 hours.
Do I need an immersion blender for this recipe?
An immersion blender is recommended for pureeing directly in the slow cooker, but you can also use a regular blender in batches.
When should I add the fresh basil?
The chopped fresh basil is stirred into the hot, pureed sauce at the very end to infuse its flavor without overcooking the herbs.
How do I store leftovers of this marinara?
Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate.
How long will the sauce stay fresh in the refrigerator?
The marinara can be safely refrigerated for up to one week.
Is this sauce freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze this tomato marinara for up to two months for future use.
Can this be used as a pizza sauce?
Absolutely, this thick and flavorful sauce works perfectly as a base for homemade pizza.
What types of pasta pair well with this sauce?
It is ideal for penne, spaghetti, or any of your favorite pasta shapes.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to enhance the flavors.
Is there a spicy element to this sauce?
It contains 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which provides a subtle and pleasant hint of spice.
What size slow cooker is required for this recipe?
A 3- to 4-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for the quantities listed in this recipe.
Do I need to add any water or broth?
No, the juices released from the 4 lbs of roma tomatoes provide all the liquid necessary for the sauce.
How much fresh basil do I need to prepare?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves.
Should I peel the tomatoes before cooking?
The instructions suggest simply chopping them; since the sauce is pureed later, peeling is not required.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil is recommended for its aromatic quality, you can use dried basil if fresh is unavailable, though the flavor will be less vibrant.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this is a 100% vegetarian-friendly recipe.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic in the recipe?
Yes, you can increase or decrease the 6 garlic cloves based on your personal taste preference.
What is the first step in the preparation process?
The first step is to chop the roma tomatoes, dice the onion, and finely chop the garlic cloves.
Do I need to stir the ingredients before starting the slow cooker?
Yes, you should stir in the extra-virgin olive oil to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated before cooking.
Can I use a different type of tomato?
Roma tomatoes are preferred for their low moisture content, but other plum tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
How do I know when the sauce is ready to be pureed?
The sauce is ready once it has finished its 3-6 hour cooking cycle and the vegetables are completely softened.