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Hearty Marinara Sauce that is Simple

November 11, 2015 by DinnerPlanner

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A thick and hearty marina sauce goes with so many dishes like, spaghetti, pizza and yummy meatballs. Try you hand at making this delicious tomato-based marinara sauce that doesn’t take a lot of time nor ingredients.

hearty marinara

We love using a thick and hearty marinara sauce on top of pasta.

 

spaghetti marinara

 

Simple Marinara Sauce –  a Hearty Sauce made with Crushed Tomatoes

When you say “made from scratch” or “homemade cooking,” it brings up feelings of love and warmth. Nothing beats a home cooked meal that was fussed over for hours. Well, most of us don’t have time to fuss over dinner and some days it’s all we can do just to stop and think about what’s for dinner.

This simple homemade spaghetti with marinara sauce actually tastes like a sauce that was fussed over.  If you have 15 minutes and just a few pantry items then you are well on your way to a delizioso dinner!

And did we mention simple?  And did we mention SPAGHETTI?

Ingredients Needed for Hearty Marinara Sauce:

  • Olive Oil – we use extra virgin
  • Butter – salted butter
  • Yellow Onion – chopped fine
  • Cloves of fresh garlic
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Fresh or Dried parsley
  • Fresh or Dried basil
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Simple Homemade Hearty Marinara Sauce
Prep Time
3 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Time
16 mins
 

Your family will fall in love with this delicious homemade marinara sauce

Course: Easy Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
About: Hearty Marinara Sauce
Servings: 4
Calories: 143 kcal
Author: DinnerPlanner
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, cut in half
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, diced fine
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
  1. Gently saute garlic in butter and olive oil until garlic is soft. Do not burn the garlic.
  2. Add parsley and lightly salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil and salt.
  4. Add the 2 halves of the onion.
  5. Simmer sauce for 10 -12 minutes.
  6. Discard the onion and serve the sauce over your favorite pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Simple Homemade Hearty Marinara Sauce
Amount Per Serving
Calories 143 Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13g20%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Trans Fat 0.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 7g
Cholesterol 15mg5%
Sodium 344mg15%
Potassium 123mg4%
Carbohydrates 7g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 183IU4%
Vitamin C 5mg6%
Calcium 31mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

Homemade Marinara Sauce

What to Do with This Hearty Sauce

There are so many delicious things you can do with this easy marinara sauce.

  • Drop your homemade meatballs into this sauce and have spaghetti & meatballs for dinner.
  • Add a touch of homemade marinara sauce to your sautéed vegetables. Don’t forget the fresh Parmesan cheese!
  • Serve with crispy mozzarella sticks.
  • Use as a delicious pizza sauce
  • Use in your favorite lasagna dish

 

Simple Marinara Sauce Cooking

Delizioso Marinara!

 




You will also love our Basic Meatball Recipe to go with this Delicious Simple Homemade Marinara Sauce.

 

simple homemade marinara sauce

What Makes a Great Marinara Sauce?

A great marinara sauce is a simple yet flavorful tomato-based sauce that serves as a versatile and delicious base for many Italian dishes. Several key factors contribute to making a marinara sauce truly exceptional:

Quality ingredients – Start with high-quality ingredients. Use fresh, ripe tomatoes when they’re in season or opt for good-quality canned tomatoes when fresh ones are not available. San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweetness and low acidity, are particularly popular for making marinara sauce.

Fresh herbs and aromatics – The combination of fresh garlic, onions, and basil adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Chop the garlic and onions finely and sauté them gently in olive oil to release their flavors without burning them.

Simplicity – A great marinara sauce is simple and doesn’t overwhelm the palate with too many ingredients. The focus should be on the natural sweetness and tanginess of the tomatoes.

Balance of flavors – Achieve a well-balanced sauce by using the right amount of salt and a touch of sweetness to counteract the acidity of the tomatoes. A pinch of sugar or a splash of red wine can help achieve this balance.

Proper seasoning – Apart from salt and sugar, you can enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes for a slight kick. Be cautious with the amount, so it doesn’t overpower the sauce.

Slow cooking – Allow the sauce to simmer slowly for an extended period, usually at least 30 minutes to an hour. This slow cooking process helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a richer and more flavorful sauce.

Olive oil – Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing the garlic and onions. This adds a fruity and aromatic quality to the sauce.

Consistency – Marinara sauce should have a smooth and slightly thick consistency. However, this can be adjusted according to personal preference – some people prefer a chunkier sauce, while others like it smoother.

Avoid overcooking – While slow cooking is essential, be careful not to overcook the sauce, as it can lead to a loss of freshness and vibrant flavors.

Customization –  The beauty of marinara sauce is that you can customize it to your liking. Some people add a touch of oregano, carrots, or celery for extra complexity, but it’s essential to maintain the overall simplicity of the sauce.

Remember, the key to a great marinara sauce is to let the quality of the ingredients shine and to strike the right balance between sweetness, acidity, and richness. With practice and experimentation, you can find the perfect marinara recipe that suits your taste preferences!

Try Some of Our Favorite Family Recipes:

Spaghetti and Frozen Meatballs
Buttered Spaghetti
Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Ragu Sauce

 

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Filed Under: Healthy Dinners

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