The Ultimate Marinara Sauce Recipe

Summary

Unlock the secret to a perfect marinara sauce with this refined recipe. After years of tweaking, this version stands out for its rich flavors and versatility. Use fresh herbs if available for an even more vibrant taste. This sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes. It freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 Medium Onion, finely chopped
• 1 Stalk Celery, finely chopped
• 2 Carrots, finely chopped
• 2 Cloves Garlic, minced or pressed
• 1 28 oz. Can Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 16 oz. Can Tomato Sauce
• 1 6 oz. Can Tomato Paste
• 3/4 Cup Red Wine
• 1 tsp. Basil
• 1/2 tsp. Oregano
• 1/2 tsp. Crushed Fennel Seed
• 1 tsp. Sugar
• 2 tbsp. Milk
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Crushed Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
• 2 Cups Water

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soft. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

2. Add the Wine: Pour in the red wine and let it simmer until the liquid has evaporated.

3. Incorporate the Tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.

4. Season the Sauce: Add the basil, oregano, crushed fennel seed, sugar, milk, sea salt, and crushed black pepper. Mix thoroughly.

5. Simmer: Pour in about 2 cups of water. Let the sauce simmer for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens.

6. Serve: Pour the sauce over cooked pasta and serve with Parmesan cheese. For a meat sauce, add cooked ground beef during the last 15 minutes of simmering.

7. Storage: If you don't use the entire batch, the sauce freezes well. Freeze in single-meal portions in zipper bags for convenience.

Interesting Facts and Stats

• Tomato Consumption: The average American consumes about 24 pounds of tomatoes per year, with a significant portion coming from sauces like marinara (source).
• Health Benefits: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer (source).
• Wine in Cooking: Adding wine to your sauce not only enhances the flavor but also helps to tenderize the vegetables and meat, making the dish more palatable (source).

Tips for the Best Marinara Sauce

• Use Fresh Herbs: If available, fresh basil and oregano can elevate the flavor of your sauce.
• Quality Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes for a richer taste.
• Simmer Time: The longer you let the sauce simmer, the more the flavors will develop. Aim for at least 1 hour.

Conclusion

This ultimate marinara sauce recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their pasta dishes. With its rich flavors and versatile use, it’s a staple that can be prepared in advance and stored for future meals. Enjoy the process of making this sauce and savor the delicious results!

By following this recipe, you can create a marinara sauce that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress.