Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce Recipe

Discover the ultimate Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce recipe – a symphony of fresh ingredients, elevating your dishes to Italian perfection! 🍅🌿 #HomemadeSauce

Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce

• Publisher: Crisp Recipe
• Cuisine: Italian
• Category: Sauce
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 80 calories

Making Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce is a culinary adventure that brings the essence of Italy to your kitchen. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a leisurely 30-minute simmer, this sauce seamlessly blends simplicity with flavor. The recipe, yielding approximately 4 cups, serves as a versatile foundation for a myriad of dishes.

Begin by infusing olive oil with finely chopped garlic, creating a golden base for the sauce. The addition of canned diced or crushed tomatoes forms the heart of the recipe, releasing their natural sweetness as they simmer. Aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme, coupled with a subtle hint of red pepper flakes, add depth and a gentle kick to the sauce.

The magic happens as the mixture thickens and fresh basil joins the party, imparting a fragrant, garden-fresh note. Seasoned with salt and pepper to taste, the marinara evolves into a symphony of flavors. Whether draped over pasta, spread on pizza, or used as a dipping sauce, this Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce embodies the authenticity of Italian cuisine.

In each serving, relish approximately 80 calories of this homemade delight. The result is a culinary masterpiece that not only elevates your dishes but also invites you to savor the joy of creating something both delicious and nourishing in your own kitchen.

Recipe

Embark on a culinary journey with our tantalizing Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce recipe! Elevate your dishes with this burst of Italian flavors. 🍅🌿 #HomemadeSauce #ItalianCuisine

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 can (28 ounces) peeled, diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped

Method Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and sauté until golden, being careful not to burn it.
2. Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juices. If using whole tomatoes, break them apart with a spoon.
3. Stir in dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. These herbs add depth and a subtle kick to the sauce.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that canned tomatoes might already have some salt, so adjust accordingly.
5. Allow the sauce to simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps the tomatoes break down and infuses the flavors.
6. As the sauce thickens, add the chopped fresh basil. This step imparts a burst of aromatic freshness to the marinara.
7. Continue to simmer until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree the sauce.
9. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly before using it in your favorite pasta dishes, as a pizza sauce, or as a dipping sauce.

Recipe Video

Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce

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Recipe Tags: Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce, Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Serve Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce as a versatile and flavorful addition to a variety of dishes. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this homemade sauce:

• Pasta Perfection: Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta, whether it's spaghetti, penne, or linguine. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of additional fresh basil for a classic and comforting meal.
• Pizza Party: Spread the marinara sauce over pizza dough as a delectable base. Top it with your favorite cheese, vegetables, and proteins for a homemade pizza bursting with flavor.
• Dipping Delight: Use the sauce as a dipping accompaniment for breadsticks, garlic knots, or even mozzarella sticks. The rich flavors of the marinara complement the warm, doughy goodness of these appetizers.
• Eggplant Parmesan: Layer the sauce between slices of breaded and baked eggplant, creating a scrumptious Eggplant Parmesan. Top with mozzarella and bake until bubbly for a satisfying and hearty dish.
• Meatball Marvel: Simmer homemade or store-bought meatballs in the marinara sauce for a mouthwatering meatball marinara. Serve over pasta or in a sub for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Vegetarian Delight: For a vegetarian option, ladle the sauce over grilled or roasted vegetables. It adds a burst of flavor and turns simple veggies into a delightful main course.

Dont forget to adjust the consistency to your liking and customize the seasoning to suit your taste. The Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce serves as a culinary canvas, inviting you to explore and savor its authentic Italian flavors in various creative ways.

Tips

1. Quality Ingredients: Choose ripe, high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor. If fresh tomatoes are in season, you can use them, but good-quality canned tomatoes work well too. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for a robust taste.
2. Fresh Basil: Whenever possible, use fresh basil. Its aromatic flavor enhances the sauce significantly. Add it towards the end of the cooking process to preserve its freshness.
3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Be mindful of the salt content in canned tomatoes, and add salt and pepper gradually, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
4. Simmering Time: Allow the sauce to simmer for an adequate time to let the flavors meld. A longer simmering time can deepen the taste, but avoid overcooking to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
5. Texture Preferences: If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce. For a chunkier texture, leave it as is. The choice is yours!
6. Versatility: Get creative with how you use the sauce. It's not just for pasta; try it as a pizza sauce, dipping sauce, or a flavorful base for other Italian-inspired dishes.
7. Storage: This sauce stores well. Let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
8. Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking. If you enjoy a bit more heat, add extra red pepper flakes. Experiment with different herbs or even incorporate a splash of red wine for complexity.
9. Consistency Control: Adjust the consistency by adding a bit of water or broth if it becomes too thick during simmering. This ensures the sauce coats your pasta or pizza crust evenly.

Ingredient Substitutes

1. Tomatoes: Substitute canned tomatoes with fresh tomatoes. Peel, seed, and dice them for a fresh twist. Sun-dried tomatoes (rehydrated if dried) can add a concentrated, sweet flavor.
2. Olive Oil: Any neutral cooking oil, like vegetable or canola oil, can replace olive oil if needed.
3. Garlic: Garlic powder or pre-minced garlic can be used as a convenient substitute. Adjust quantity to taste.
4. Dried Herbs: If fresh basil is unavailable, use dried basil. Remember to use less dried herbs than fresh, as they are more potent.
5. Red Pepper Flakes: Substitute with a dash of cayenne pepper or paprika for heat.
6. Fresh Basil: In the absence of fresh basil, use dried basil. Crush it between your fingers before adding to release its flavors.
7. Salt and Pepper: Use your preferred salt and pepper alternatives, like sea salt or kosher salt, and ground white pepper.

Remarks

Indulge in the joy of crafting exquisite meals! With our Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce, savor the taste of homemade Italian perfection. Happy cooking! 🍝👩‍🍳 #CookingJoy #ItalianFlavors