Ultimate Italian Marinara Sauce
This delicious and hearty marinara sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, and more. Made with imported Cento Italian tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and rich prosciutto, this sauce bursts with authentic Italian flavors that will elevate any dish. The long simmer time allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a rich, smooth, and luscious sauce. This recipe yields a substantial amount, perfect for meal prep, and freezes wonderfully for later enjoyment. Share this with friends, and watch them come back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
116
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cento Italian tomatoes
5 cans (Imported from Italy; no preparation needed.)
Garlic
6 cloves (Minced.)
Good virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons (No preparation needed.)
Prosciutto ham
1/2 lb (Cut into small cubes.)
Fresh basil
5 teaspoons (Chopped.)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed.)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about a minute, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
3
While the garlic cooks, pour the Cento Italian tomatoes into a blender and blend briefly until smooth.
4
Add the blended tomatoes to the pot with the garlic, stirring well to combine.
5
Cut the prosciutto into small cubes and add it to the pot, mixing it into the sauce.
6
Stir in the fresh basil and crushed red pepper flakes, ensuring an even distribution throughout the sauce.
7
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and reduce the heat to low. Allow to simmer uncovered for about 6 hours, stirring occasionally.
8
To check the sauce's consistency, place a spoonful in a clean bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes; if you see water separating, continue simmering until the sauce reaches your desired richness.
Nutrition Information
1.67g
Fat
4.67g
Carbs
3.33g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main brand of tomatoes recommended for this sauce?
The recipe specifically recommends using imported Cento Italian tomatoes for the most authentic flavor.
How many cans of tomatoes are required?
You will need 5 cans of Cento Italian tomatoes to make this batch of marinara.
How much garlic is used in the Ultimate Italian Marinara Sauce?
The recipe calls for 6 cloves of garlic, which should be minced before sautéing.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 2 teaspoons of good virgin olive oil.
How should the prosciutto be prepared?
The 1/2 lb of prosciutto ham should be cut into small cubes before being added to the sauce.
Is the basil used fresh or dried?
The recipe specifies 5 teaspoons of fresh basil, which should be chopped.
How long does this sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered on low heat for approximately 6 hours.
Why does the sauce need to simmer for so long?
The long simmer time allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a rich, smooth, and luscious texture.
Should I cover the pot while the sauce simmers?
No, the instructions state that the sauce should be simmered uncovered.
How can I tell if the sauce has reached the right consistency?
Place a spoonful of sauce in a clean bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes; if water separates from the sauce, it needs to simmer longer.
Can this marinara sauce be frozen?
Yes, this recipe yields a large amount and freezes wonderfully for later use.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, the substantial yield makes it an ideal choice for meal prepping.
What dishes can I use this marinara sauce for?
It is perfect for pasta, pizza, and many other Italian-inspired dishes.
How many calories are in a serving of this sauce?
There are 116 calories per serving.
Does this recipe contain any added sugar?
No, this recipe does not include any added sugar, relying on the natural sweetness of the Italian tomatoes.
Should the tomatoes be blended or left chunky?
The instructions recommend pouring the tomatoes into a blender and blending briefly until smooth.
What is the fat content of this sauce?
The sauce contains 1.67g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 4.67g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this sauce provide?
Each serving contains 3.33g of protein.
Is this sauce spicy?
It has a mild heat from the inclusion of 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
At what temperature should I sauté the garlic?
The garlic should be sautéed over medium heat.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Stir the minced garlic constantly and only sauté for about a minute to prevent browning.
What kind of pot is best for cooking this sauce?
A large soup pot is recommended due to the volume of the ingredients.
What makes this sauce 'Ultimate'?
The combination of imported Italian tomatoes, rich prosciutto, and a 6-hour simmer time creates a depth of flavor superior to standard sauces.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 key ingredients: tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, prosciutto, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
When should I add the prosciutto?
Add the prosciutto cubes after the blended tomatoes have been mixed with the sautéed garlic.
Can I use this as a pizza sauce?
Yes, the description specifically mentions it is perfect for pizza.
Is this a traditional red sauce?
Yes, it is tagged as a traditional red sauce and Italian spaghetti sauce.
What should I do if the sauce is too watery?
If the sauce shows water separation during the bowl test, continue simmering it uncovered until it reaches your desired richness.