Simple Marinara Sauce

One of the most comforting, homey, simple recipes that we can make – Simple Marinara Sauce is a dinner staple!

In looking back at some of my older posts, I noticed something… I have used the word ‘simple’ over and over and overrrr again. This is no accident.

It’s not my being redundant, or too lazy to grab the thesaurus; it’s my most accurate description of the kind of food I like to cook…and eat. Good, simple food. I’m a home-cook who likes to make approachable food. And when it’s beautiful…all the better.

I like my food to be comforting and homey…more traditional than technical…more time-honored than progressive. Perhaps it’s because I grew up in a house where the 5:00 meal was called supper – not dinner. Doesn’t supper just have a more relaxed feel to it? I like it.

I also like marinara sauce…a lot. It’s probably one of the most comforting, homey, simple recipes that I make; if not the most simple…

Unless I have an abundance of extraordinarily fresh tomatoes, I use canned San Marzanos (which is 99% of the time!). These tomatoes are grown in the rich volcanic soil at the base of Mount Vesuvius. They’re sweet and meaty and perfect for tomato sauce. Because these are canned whole tomatoes, once they’re cooked down, you’re left with a chunkier texture, which is divine, but it’s also a fun idea to puree the sauce – this creates a smoother consistency and deeper flavor. I like to use an immersion blender to do the job. Such a practical kitchen tool! Rather than having to pour the sauce into a countertop blender, risking splatters and messes, this blender goes directly into the pot that you’re cooking in, and purees in seconds flat. Anything to avoid a mess I say! Let’s go!

INGREDIENTS FOR MY SIMPLE MARINA SAUCE:

• olive oil
• sweet onion
• garlic cloves
• San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes
• dried basil
• dried oregano
• kosher salt
• freshly ground pepper
• fresh basil (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIMPLE MARINARA SAUCE:

• In a large heavy pot heat your olive oil, onions and garlic.

• Sauté over low heat for about ten minutes until the onions and garlic are soft.

• Pour the tomatoes and their liquid in the pot and break them up with a wooden spoon… unless, of course, you’re like I am and use your hands to crush them. (Very therapeutic!!)
• Add the herbs, salt and pepper, and simmer for about 45 – 60 minutes.
• Blend!
• Mangia!

Oh yes! The simplest dishes give me the most pleasure. This Simple Marinara Sauce recipe is one for the ages!

Buon Appetito!

MORE ITALIAN DELIGHTS:

Pesto Arancini – Italian street food!

Italian Farro with Chickpeas and Tomato Sauce

Utica Greens

Wild Mushroom, Green Onion & Feta Frittata

Panettone Baked French Toast with Pecan Crumble

Simple Marinara Sauce

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• Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
• Category: Dinner

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Description

One of the most comforting, homey, simple recipes that we can make – Simple Marinara Sauce is a dinner staple!

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Ingredients

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• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 90 oz. San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes
• 1 Tbsp. dried basil
• 1 Tbsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
• fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large heavy pot heat your olive oil, onions and garlic.
2. Sauté over low heat for about ten minutes until the onions and garlic are soft.
3. Pour the tomatoes and their liquid in the pot and break tomatoes up with a wooden spoon.
4. Add the herbs, salt and pepper.
5. Simmer for 45 – 60 minutes.
6. Top with fresh basil. Serve.

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