Description
Nonna Maria’s marinara sauce elevates simple ingredients into an Italian culinary masterpiece. Simmered tomatoes, fresh basil, and aromatic garlic combine seamlessly for you to savor authentic Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 28 oz (794 g) crushed tomatoes (no spices or salt added)
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) finely shredded fresh basil
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) minced garlic
- 1 cup (240 ml) finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsps (10 g) sugar
- ¾ tsp (3.7 g) dried oregano
- ¾ tsp (3.7 g) finely ground sea salt
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) finely cracked black pepper
- ¼ tsp (1.2 g) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Infuse Oil: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers with a fluid radiance.
- Sauté Aromatics: Introduce finely chopped yellow onions, stirring until they soften and turn a delicate golden color, then add minced garlic and quickly release their fragrant essence without scorching.
- Blend Tomato Base: Pour whole crushed San Marzano tomatoes into the pan, incorporating fresh basil leaves, granulated sugar, dried oregano, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a spirited dash of red pepper flakes.
- Simmer and Develop: Reduce heat to medium-low, allowing the marinara to gently bubble and meld flavors, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure a consistent, rich profile for 15-20 minutes.
- Finalize and Serve: Remove from heat once the sauce reaches a luxuriously thickened consistency, presenting a harmonious blend of herbs and spices ready to complement pasta, pizza, or be stored for future culinary delights.
Notes
- Select Premium Tomatoes: Use San Marzano tomatoes for authentic, rich flavor profile and superior texture compared to standard canned varieties.
- Control Garlic Technique: Quickly sauté garlic for under 60 seconds to release aromatic oils without burning, which creates bitter undertones.
- Balance Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of sugar to neutralize tomatoes’ natural acidity and enhance overall sauce complexity.
- Optimize Simmering Process: Maintain gentle medium-low heat during 15-20 minute reduction to develop deep, concentrated flavor without scorching sauce base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1.4 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg