How to Make Fresh Marinara Sauce from Tomatoes
Creating a fresh marinara sauce from tomatoes is a delightful way to enhance the flavor of your Italian dishes. This homemade sauce is not only delicious but also allows you to control the quality of the ingredients used. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a fresh marinara sauce that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
– 4 pounds ripe tomatoes, preferably San Marzano or plum tomatoes
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Instructions
1. Prepare the tomatoes: Start by washing the tomatoes and cutting them in half. Remove the seeds and the tough parts of the tomato cores. You can either dice the tomatoes or puree them, depending on your preference.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the tomatoes: Pour the tomatoes into the pot with the onions and garlic. If you are using pureed tomatoes, you can skip this step. If you are using diced tomatoes, add them to the pot and stir to combine.
4. Season the sauce: Sprinkle the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper into the pot. If desired, add the red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should reduce in volume and thicken slightly.
6. Taste and adjust: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too acidic, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
7. Serve or store: Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Use the sauce immediately or let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. The sauce can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
Conclusion
Making fresh marinara sauce from tomatoes is a simple and rewarding process that will elevate your homemade Italian dishes. By following these steps, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade sauce that is full of flavor and fresh ingredients. Buon appetito!
