Rustic Italian Marinara Sauce
Transform your pasta nights with this Rustic Italian Marinara Sauce, bursting with vibrant flavors and made with simple ingredients. This homemade sauce effortlessly rivals store-bought versions, offering a rich, hearty taste that’s perfect for a variety of dishes. Ideal for spaghetti, lasagna, or as a base for your favorite Italian recipes, it simmers together fresh garlic, aromatic herbs, and chunky tomatoes for a delightful combination. Serve it hot over al dente pasta, and finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an authentic Italian dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon
garlic cloves
2 (finely chopped)
onion
1/2 small (chopped)
diced tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (undrained)
fresh basil
2 tablespoons (chopped)
dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon
fresh oregano
2 teaspoons (chopped)
dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon
sugar
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
pepper
1 dash
hot pasta
as needed
fresh-grated parmesan cheese
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
2
Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and stir in the chopped fresh basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
4
After simmering, carefully transfer the hot sauce to a food processor or blender. Blend until you reach your desired consistency, smooth or chunky.
5
Return the pureed sauce to the saucepan and heat through. Serve it hot over your choice of cooked pasta, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Italian Marinara Sauce?
It is a homemade sauce featuring vibrant flavors made with simple ingredients like garlic, aromatic herbs, and chunky tomatoes.
How do I start preparing the sauce?
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
How long should I sauté the garlic and onion?
Sauté the finely chopped garlic and chopped onion for about 3-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, you should use one 28-ounce can of undrained diced tomatoes.
What fresh herbs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil and 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh oregano.
Are dried herbs also used in this marinara sauce?
Yes, the sauce includes 1 teaspoon of dried basil leaves and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves.
What seasonings are added to the tomato mixture?
Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a dash of pepper.
What is the first step after adding all the ingredients to the pan?
Bring the entire mixture to a boil.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for 45 minutes.
Should the saucepan be covered while simmering?
No, the sauce should simmer uncovered to allow it to thicken.
Why is it important to stir the sauce occasionally?
Stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking throughout the simmering process.
How do I achieve the desired sauce consistency?
After simmering, transfer the hot sauce to a food processor or blender and blend until it is as smooth or chunky as you like.
What should I do after blending the sauce?
Return the pureed sauce to the saucepan and heat it through before serving.
What is the best way to serve this marinara sauce?
Serve it hot over your choice of cooked pasta, such as spaghetti.
What garnish is recommended for the finished dish?
Top the pasta and sauce with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, the sauce itself is vegan, though you would need to omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Can this sauce be used for recipes other than pasta?
Yes, it is perfect for lasagna or as a base for variety of other Italian recipes.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 of a small onion, chopped.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
There is 1/2 teaspoon of sugar added to balance the flavors.
How does this sauce compare to store-bought versions?
This homemade version offers a rich, hearty taste that effortlessly rivals store-bought alternatives.
Can I make the sauce chunky?
Yes, when using the food processor, you can control the pulse to keep the texture chunky.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What size pan is recommended?
A large saucepan is recommended for cooking the sauce.
Can I use this for spaghetti night?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as ideal for transforming pasta nights.
Does the recipe use dried basil?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of dried basil leaves in addition to fresh basil.
How much fresh oregano is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh oregano.
Is the Parmesan cheese required?
It is recommended to taste, but can be adjusted based on preference.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be finely chopped before being sautéed in olive oil.