Wholesome Pasta Delight: Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe for a Perfect Pasta Dish

Introduction

Experience the authentic and delicious flavors of homemade marinara sauce with this recipe that perfectly complements your favorite pasta. This classic Italian sauce is simple to make and will elevate your pasta dish to a whole new level. Whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or linguine, this marinara sauce pairs beautifully with any pasta variety, providing a wholesome and satisfying meal for all occasions.

Ingredients

To prepare the homemade marinara sauce, you will require the following ingredients:

• 2 cans of whole tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• A handful of fresh basil leaves

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create a delectable marinara sauce:

1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they become translucent.
3. Once the onions are cooked, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, ensuring the garlic doesn’t brown.
4. Pour the whole tomatoes into the pan, crushing them with your hands as you add them to the sauce. Be careful to avoid any splattering.
5. Season the sauce with dried oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
7. Finally, tear the fresh basil leaves and stir them into the sauce before serving.

FAQ

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for the marinara sauce?

A: While using fresh tomatoes can be an option, canned whole tomatoes are preferred for their consistent flavor and texture. However, if you have access to ripe, fresh tomatoes, you can blanch and peel them before adding them to the sauce.

Q: How long can I store the marinara sauce?

A: You can store the marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. It also freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: What pasta shapes work best with marinara sauce?

A: Marinara sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of pasta shapes, including spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, and linguine. The choice of pasta is ultimately based on personal preference, so feel free to experiment with different shapes to find your favorite combination.

Q: Can I customize the marinara sauce with additional ingredients?

A: Absolutely! While this classic marinara sauce is delicious as is, you can customize it by adding ingredients such as red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, grated Parmesan cheese for richness, or even a splash of red wine for depth of flavor.