Mainara Measurements: Large Pan Portions

Marinara sauce is a versatile and tasty staple that can be used for many dishes, including pizza, pasta, and lasagna. Making your own is simple and only requires a few basic ingredients, such as canned tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. The process is straightforward: sauté the aromatics, simmer the sauce, and then season to taste. The result is a rich and authentic Italian flavour that far surpasses store-bought alternatives.

The key to a good marinara is in the cooking. Using a skillet instead of a saucepan allows the water to evaporate quickly, ensuring the tomatoes are cooked through as the sauce thickens. This method, combined with high-quality ingredients, yields approximately two to three cups of sauce—enough to generously coat eight ounces of pasta.

So, the next time you're craving a hearty Italian meal, consider making your own marinara sauce. It's the perfect addition to any pasta dish and will elevate your cooking to new heights.

Marinara sauce ingredients

A good marinara sauce is simple to make and only requires a few basic ingredients. The quantities below will yield enough sauce for 8 ounces of pasta.

Ingredients

• 1 large can (28 ounces) of whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and halved
• 2 large cloves of garlic, peeled but left whole
• 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, omit if sensitive to spice)
• Salt, to taste (if necessary)

Optional, for serving:

• Cooked pasta
• Grated Parmesan cheese or vegan Parmesan
• Chopped fresh basil
• Additional olive oil

Variations

Some recipes suggest adding a few extra ingredients to enhance the flavor of the sauce:

• Balsamic vinegar
• Red wine
• Tomato paste
• White wine
• Black pepper
• Basil leaves
• Sugar

How to make marinara sauce

Making marinara sauce is simple and only requires a few basic ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make it:

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• Onion
• Garlic
• Salt
• Basil
• Thyme or oregano

Optional ingredients:

• Red pepper flakes
• Tomato paste
• White wine
• Parsley

Method:

• Heat some olive oil in a medium-sized pot or a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
• Add the onion and sauté for a few minutes until it becomes translucent.
• Add the garlic and continue to sauté, but be careful not to let it burn.
• Pour in the crushed tomatoes, along with salt and thyme or oregano.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for around 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• If using basil, add it towards the end of the cooking process as it is delicate and its flavour is most potent when freshly added.
• If desired, blend the sauce for a smoother consistency.
• Serve the marinara sauce with your favourite pasta, use it as a pizza base, or as a dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Using high-quality tomatoes, such as San Marzano tomatoes, will enhance the flavour of your sauce.
• If you prefer a chunkier texture, use whole canned tomatoes and break them down with your hands or a spatula while they cook.
• For a longer-cooked sauce, simmer for around 45 minutes to develop a richer flavour.
• You can also add other herbs and spices, such as dried oregano, to suit your taste.

Storage:

The marinara sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Marinara sauce recipes

A good marinara sauce is a thing of beauty. It's a simple sauce, but one that can be easily messed up. The key is in the ingredients and the cooking time. While some recipes suggest you can make a quick version in 15 minutes, others insist that a proper marinara needs at least 45 minutes of cooking time to get that authentic Italian flavour.

Ingredients

All the recipes I found agree that you'll need good canned tomatoes, olive oil, and dried oregano. You'll also need garlic, but the number of cloves varies from one to seven, so use your judgement and taste as you go. Fresh or dried basil is also a common ingredient, as is onion, although one recipe insists that a true marinara sauce does not contain onions. Other optional ingredients include red pepper or chilli flakes, salt, and pepper.

Method

Most recipes suggest you combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for around 45 minutes. One recipe suggests using a skillet instead, as the water evaporates more quickly, cooking the tomatoes through as the sauce thickens. Another suggests using a food processor to blend the ingredients before heating them.

Serving Suggestions

Marinara sauce is, of course, a perfect pasta sauce, and can be used in dishes such as chicken parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs, lasagne, and baked stuffed shells. It also works well as a dipping sauce for garlic knots, and can even be used as a pizza sauce.

How to serve marinara sauce

Serving marinara sauce is easy, as it pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some tips on how to serve marinara sauce:

Choosing the Right Marinara Sauce

Before serving, it is important to choose a high-quality marinara sauce. While store-bought or jarred marinara sauce can be convenient, making your own sauce from scratch can result in a more authentic and flavourful experience. A basic marinara sauce typically includes canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, dried oregano, and olive oil. However, you can also experiment with additional ingredients like red pepper flakes, basil, or tomato paste to enhance the flavour and texture of your sauce.

Selecting the Appropriate Dishware

When serving marinara sauce, it is advisable to use a large serving pan. This allows you to accommodate a generous portion of the sauce and ensures that it remains warm throughout the meal. A large serving pan also creates a visually appealing presentation, making the dining experience more enjoyable for you and your guests.

Pairing Marinara Sauce with Pasta

One classic way to serve marinara sauce is with pasta. You can choose from a variety of pasta shapes, such as penne, linguine, or ziti. Simply cook the pasta according to the package instructions and toss it with the warm marinara sauce. Top it with some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, and serve it alongside crusty Italian bread for a complete meal.

Exploring Other Dish Options

While pasta is a popular choice, marinara sauce can also be served with other dishes:

• Lasagna: Layer marinara sauce with lasagna noodles, cheese, and ground beef or Italian sausage to create a hearty baked dish.
• Pizza: Use marinara sauce as a base for your pizza, adding your choice of toppings and cheese.
• Calzones: Fill calzones with cheese and your favourite fillings, dipping them in warm marinara sauce.
• Meatballs: Coat homemade or store-bought meatballs in marinara sauce for a tasty appetizer or sub sandwich filling.
• Chicken dishes: Try Chicken Parmesan, where you bread and fry chicken cutlets, topping them with marinara sauce and cheese. Alternatively, create chicken marinara by slow-cooking chicken in the sauce.
• Vegetarian options: Opt for eggplant rollatini, where eggplant slices are filled with ricotta and coated in marinara sauce. You can also make vegetarian skillet lasagna or baked zucchini fries served with marinara sauce on the side.

Enhancing the Presentation

When serving marinara sauce, consider garnishing the dish with fresh herbs such as basil or oregano. Not only do they add flavour, but they also provide a pop of colour that makes the dish more visually appealing. You can also serve the sauce with a side of grated Parmesan cheese, allowing your guests to sprinkle it over their meal as desired.

Marinara sauce storage

Storing your marinara sauce in a plastic container, such as Tupperware, is a great way to save and store it. This option is beneficial because the container won't rip or shatter, and it holds up well when frozen. Plastic containers are also stackable, which can be helpful if you have limited freezer space. Additionally, plastic containers can be used for both long-term and short-term storage, making them a versatile option.

Another option for storing marinara sauce is to use freezer bags. Freezer bags are usually less expensive than plastic containers and can be easily found at any grocery store. They take up less space when not in use and can stretch a little if you overfill them. However, it's important to note that freezer bags are more susceptible to tearing when the sauce is still liquid, so they are better suited for long-term rather than temporary storage.

If you're looking for temporary storage, consider using mason jars or other types of sealable glass jars. This method is best for short-term storage, usually two to three weeks in the refrigerator. When freezing in glass jars, be sure to leave at least an inch of free space at the top to allow for expansion.

For long-term storage, canning is an effective solution. Canning is a process that involves quickly heating and capping jars to form a tight seal. When done properly, canned food can be stored indefinitely in your pantry without the need for refrigeration. However, canning can be a time-consuming process and requires special equipment.

Regardless of the storage method you choose, it's important to follow food safety guidelines. Homemade marinara sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for three to five days, while store-bought sauce can last for up to four days after opening. If you plan to store your sauce for longer, freezing is a good option. When freezing, be sure to allow the sauce to cool first and leave extra room in the container for expansion. With proper freezing techniques, your marinara sauce can last for up to six months to a year.

Frequently asked questions