Spicy Sweet Basil Tomato Marinara
This deliciously vibrant marinara sauce bursts with the flavors of freshly harvested roma tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a hint of spice. Every time I make it, I receive compliments for its perfectly balanced sweetness and depth of flavor. Although I stick to a vegan version, you can easily elevate this dish by incorporating Spicy Italian Sausage, which simmers beautifully in the sauce for an added meaty richness. Perfect for pasta nights, vegetable dishes, or as a spread for toasted crostini, this versatile sauce will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
75
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Roma Tomatoes
30-35 (sliced in half)
Water
1/2 cup (none)
Fresh Oregano
1/2 cup (chopped)
Fresh Basil Leaves
1 cup (lightly chopped)
Sugar
1/2-1 cup (to taste)
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing all ingredients thoroughly to ensure freshness.
2
In a medium pot, combine the sliced roma tomatoes and water. Heat over low heat, stirring gently.
3
Once the tomatoes start to release their juices, gradually add the fresh oregano and chopped basil, stirring gently to combine.
4
Next, stir in the sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, ground black pepper, and salt. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
5
Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more flavor will develop.
6
For the best results, refrigerate the sauce overnight and reheat before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
7
Optional: To make it heartier, you can add ingredients like artichoke hearts, mushrooms, or chopped onion during the cooking process.
8
Serve the marinara sauce over your favorite pasta (linguini is highly recommended), roasted vegetables, or on toasted crostini topped with melted mozzarella. It also makes a delightful bruschetta when served cold on sliced Italian bread.
Nutrition Information
0.3g
Fat
18.6g
Carbs
1.3g
Protein
3.3g
Fiber
7.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Spicy Sweet Basil Tomato Marinara.
Is this Spicy Sweet Basil Tomato Marinara vegan?
Yes, the base recipe is vegan, although optional additions like sausage or cheese can be added.
How many Roma tomatoes are needed?
You will need 30 to 35 Roma tomatoes.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The Roma tomatoes should be washed and sliced in half.
What is the serving size for this sauce?
The specific serving size is not provided, but the recipe contains 75 calories per serving.
How many calories are in this marinara sauce?
There are 75 calories per serving.
What are the primary herbs used in this recipe?
The primary herbs are 1/2 cup of chopped fresh oregano and 1 cup of lightly chopped fresh basil leaves.
How much sugar is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 to 1 cup of sugar, adjusted to your taste.
What gives the sauce its spicy kick?
The spice comes from 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Why is it recommended to refrigerate the sauce overnight?
Refrigerating the sauce overnight allows the flavors to meld together beautifully for better results when reheated.
What type of pasta is highly recommended for this sauce?
Linguini is highly recommended for serving with this marinara sauce.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can add Spicy Italian Sausage to the sauce while it simmers for added meaty richness.
What vegetables can be added to make the sauce heartier?
Optional additions include artichoke hearts, mushrooms, or chopped onions.
How much water is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of water.
What is the fat content of this sauce?
The sauce contains 0.3g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 18.6g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
The sauce contains 1.3g of protein per serving.
How much fiber is in the Spicy Sweet Basil Tomato Marinara?
There is 3.3g of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in the final nutritional breakdown?
There is 7.5g of sugar per serving.
Can this sauce be used as an appetizer?
Yes, it can be served on toasted crostini with melted mozzarella or as a cold bruschetta on Italian bread.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients in the base recipe.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include sauce, vegan, marinara, tomato, basil, spicy, sweet, Italian cuisine, and pasta sauce.
What heat setting should be used for cooking?
The sauce should be cooked and simmered over low heat.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried oregano?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of fresh oregano.
How should the basil be prepared?
The fresh basil leaves should be lightly chopped.
When should the seasonings be added?
Add the sugar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt after the herbs have been stirred into the tomato mixture.
Can this sauce be served cold?
Yes, it makes a delightful bruschetta when served cold on sliced Italian bread.
What is the description of the sauce's flavor profile?
It is described as a vibrant sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness, depth of flavor, and a hint of spice.