Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma Sloop's Garlic-Infused Marinara Masterpiece?
It is a cherished family recipe for a rich, vibrant tomato-based marinara sauce with a strong garlic flavor.
How many ingredients are in the base recipe?
The base recipe consists of three main ingredients: tomato juice, garlic cloves, and tomato paste.
Is this marinara sauce vegetarian?
Yes, the base recipe is meatless and suitable for vegetarians.
Can I add meat to this sauce?
Yes, you can add browned ground beef or meatballs for a classic, hearty touch.
How much tomato juice is required?
The recipe calls for one 64-ounce can of tomato juice.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
You should use 6 crushed garlic cloves.
Can I use jarred minced garlic instead of fresh cloves?
Yes, you can substitute fresh cloves with 6 tablespoons of minced garlic from a jar.
What size of tomato paste is needed?
The recipe requires one 8-ounce can of tomato paste.
How long does the sauce need to simmer initially?
The sauce should simmer for about 1 hour after reaching a rolling boil.
When should I add the tomato paste?
The tomato paste should be stirred in after the initial one-hour simmering period.
How long do I cook the sauce after adding the tomato paste?
Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
What heat setting should I use to boil the sauce?
Bring the sauce to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium for the simmering process.
Do I need to stir the sauce while it cooks?
Yes, stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pot and to ensure even cooking.
What type of pasta goes best with this sauce?
It is traditionally served over spaghetti, but it pairs well with any of your favorite pasta varieties.
Is this recipe suitable for home cooking?
Absolutely, it is described as a nostalgic home-cooking staple passed down through generations.
Does this recipe use fresh tomatoes?
This specific recipe uses canned tomato juice and tomato paste for its base.
Is the garlic flavor very strong?
Yes, the recipe is designed to have an aromatic garlic punch.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your canned tomato products.
How do I prevent the sauce from sticking?
Stirring occasionally during the hour-long simmer will help prevent sticking.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, with only three main ingredients and simple boiling and simmering steps, it is very beginner-friendly.
Can I make this sauce in a small pot?
The recipe recommends using a small stockpot to accommodate the 64 ounces of juice.
What is the total estimated cooking time?
The total cooking time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes plus boiling time.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, there is no sugar listed in the ingredients; the sweetness comes from the tomato base.
Can I freeze this marinara sauce?
While not explicitly mentioned, tomato-based sauces like this generally freeze very well.
Does this recipe include herbs?
The base recipe focuses on garlic and tomato, though you could add your own herbs if desired.
Is this an Italian recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an Italian family recipe.
What makes the sauce thicken?
The sauce thickens through the reduction during simmering and the addition of tomato paste.
Is this sauce spicy?
The recipe is garlic-forward but does not contain spicy ingredients like red pepper flakes.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to pour the 64-ounce can of tomato juice into a small stockpot.