Marinara sauce is a classic tomato-based sauce that is commonly used in Italian cuisine. It is a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes such as pasta, pizza, meatballs, and more. Making marinara sauce from scratch may seem daunting, but it is actually quite simple. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of making marinara sauce at home, and answer some frequently asked questions about the sauce.
Ingredients:
– 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Add the can of crushed tomatoes to the saucepan.
3. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan.
4. Stir well to combine and then let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.
5. After 20 minutes, add the brown sugar to the saucepan and stir well. Simmer the sauce on low heat for an additional 10 minutes.
6. After 10 minutes, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Once the sauce is done, remove it from the heat and let it cool before using it in your desired dish.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?
A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. However, you will need to remove the skins and seeds before cooking them down to make the sauce.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?
A: Yes, you can add other ingredients such as onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce. Saute them before adding the crushed tomatoes.
Q: Can I freeze leftover sauce?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make a larger batch of sauce?
A: Yes, you can double or triple the recipe as needed.
Q: How long will the sauce last in the refrigerator?
A: The sauce will last in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
In conclusion, making marinara sauce from scratch is easy and can be customized to your liking. With these simple steps, you can have delicious homemade sauce for all your Italian-inspired meals.
