Marinara Sauce Recipe with Fresh Tomatoes: A Taste of Italy in Your Kitchen
Making marinara sauce from scratch with fresh tomatoes is a rewarding experience that elevates any pasta dish. This recipe focuses on capturing the vibrant, fresh taste of ripe tomatoes while ensuring a smooth, flavorful sauce perfect for your favorite pasta. Let's dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, emphasizing the quality of the fresh tomatoes.
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes: Choose tomatoes that are in season for the best flavor. Roma tomatoes are ideal for their low water content, but any type will work.
- 1 large onion: Yellow or white onions will add a subtle sweetness.
- 4 cloves garlic: Use fresh garlic for the most potent flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: This adds an essential Italian herb profile.
- 1/2 tsp dried basil: Another key Italian herb for that authentic taste.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Adjust to your spice preference.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season to taste throughout the process.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional): For a final touch of freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious homemade marinara sauce.
1. Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Blanching: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Score an "X" on the bottom of each tomato. Gently drop the tomatoes into the boiling water for about 30 seconds to loosen the skins. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This makes peeling much easier.
- Peeling and Chopping: Once cool enough to handle, peel the tomatoes and roughly chop them.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
- Add the chopped tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 45 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Blend (Optional):
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to partially or completely blend the sauce to your desired consistency. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth. Caution: Hot liquids expand in blenders, so vent the lid carefully to prevent splattering.
5. Finish and Serve:
- Stir in the fresh basil (if using) just before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve your homemade marinara sauce over your favorite pasta, with meatballs, or as a pizza sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Marinara:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your sauce directly reflects the quality of your ingredients.
- Don't rush the simmering: The longer you simmer the sauce, the richer and more flavorful it will become.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: The amount of salt, pepper, and herbs can be adjusted based on your preference.
- Store leftovers: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes well.
This homemade marinara sauce recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary efforts! Remember to share your creations and tag us! Happy cooking!
