Summer Burst Marinara Sauce
Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with this quick and easy fresh marinara sauce. Made with the ripest tomatoes and aromatic herbs, this sauce requires minimal cooking time, allowing you to enjoy the sunny days without being trapped in a hot kitchen. Perfect for tossing with pasta or drizzling over grilled vegetables, this sauce is both versatile and delightful. With a hint of spice from red pepper flakes and a burst of freshness from basil, oregano, and chives, every bite is a celebration of summer's bounty. This recipe serves 2-3, but feel free to double it for a gathering with family and friends. Pair it with a crisp salad and freshly grated Italian cheese for a complete meal. Let's savor summer with every delicious spoonful!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
3 (Chopped)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
5 teaspoons (For cooking)
Spanish Onion
1 (Finely chopped)
Red Bell Pepper
1/2 (Finely chopped)
Garlic Cloves
4 (Finely chopped)
Fresh Basil
3 tablespoons (Chopped)
Fresh Oregano
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Fresh Chives
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
to taste
Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 teaspoon
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon
Sea Salt
1 teaspoon
Tomato Paste
4 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Begin by chopping the tomatoes into small pieces and set aside.
2
Finely chop the Spanish onion, red bell pepper, and garlic cloves. Also, chop the fresh basil, oregano, and chives.
3
In an iron skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, along with the sea salt, garlic powder, fresh ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs. Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
After simmering, add the tomato paste to the sauce. Stir well and cook uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
6
Serve the marinara sauce over cooked pasta of your choice and finish with freshly grated Italian cheese. Enjoy with a fresh summer salad for a delightful meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Summer Burst Marinara Sauce?
It is a quick and easy fresh marinara sauce made with ripe tomatoes and aromatic herbs designed to be made with minimal cooking time.
How many people does this recipe serve?
The recipe as written serves 2-3 people.
Can I make a larger batch of this sauce?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe for a gathering with family and friends.
What makes this sauce ideal for summer?
It uses the ripest summer tomatoes and fresh herbs, requiring minimal time in a hot kitchen.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for three tomatoes chopped into small pieces; using the ripest ones available will provide the best flavor.
What type of onion is recommended for the base?
The recipe specifically recommends using one finely chopped Spanish onion.
How much garlic is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses four finely chopped garlic cloves for a savory profile.
What oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
Five teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil are used for cooking the base vegetables.
Which fresh herbs provide the flavor in this recipe?
The sauce features a combination of fresh basil, fresh oregano, and fresh chives.
How much fresh basil is required?
You should use 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil.
How much fresh oregano should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano.
How many chives are needed for the sauce?
Use 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives.
Does this marinara sauce have any spice?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
What kind of pepper is used for seasoning?
Fresh ground black pepper is used to taste.
Is there any dried seasoning in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of sea salt.
What type of bell pepper is included?
The sauce uses 1/2 of a finely chopped red bell pepper.
How long should I sauté the onion, pepper, and garlic?
Sauté these ingredients in the olive oil for about 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
How long does the sauce need to simmer initially?
Once the tomatoes and herbs are added, cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
When should I add the tomato paste?
Add the tomato paste after the initial 15-20 minute simmer is complete.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
The tomato paste helps thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
How long should I cook the sauce after adding the paste?
Cook the sauce uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes after stirring in the paste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
Can this sauce be part of a gluten-free meal?
Yes, it is tagged with a gluten-free option.
What are the best serving suggestions for this sauce?
It is perfect for tossing with pasta or drizzling over grilled vegetables.
What kind of cheese pairs well with this sauce?
The recipe suggests finishing the dish with freshly grated Italian cheese.
What side dish is recommended to accompany the meal?
A fresh summer salad is a delightful accompaniment to this marinara sauce.
What cookware should I use to prepare the sauce?
The instructions recommend using an iron skillet for sautéing and simmering.
How should I prepare the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be chopped into small pieces before being added to the skillet.
How do I know when the sauce is finished?
The sauce is ready once it has thickened to your desired consistency during the final uncovered cooking stage.